im ^iFOSnE OF KERRY 




MV W. 'r. CAMPBELL 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY 

SECOND EDITION 




OR 

THE LIFE OF THE 

REV. CHARLES GRAHAM 

WHO HAD FOR MANY YEARS, AS HIS ASSOCIATE ON 

THE CELEBRATED 

GIDEON OUSELEY 

ALSO 

CONTAINING ONE OF MR. GRAHAM'S SERMONS, AN IRISH HYMN, E'^C. 



' And the hand of the Lord was with them : and a great number believed, and turned 
unto the Lord. — Acts xi. 21. 



BY THE 

REV. W. GRAHAM CAMPBELL 
DUBLIN 

MOFFAT AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 

1868 



DUBLIN STEAM PRINTING COMPANY. 
^ ^ t 



THIS VOLUME 

IS INSCRIBED TO THE 

REV, WILLIAM ARTHUR, A.M., 

PRINCIPAL OF THE METHODIST COLLEGE, BELFAST, 
AS A TOKEN OF PERSONAL ESTEEM, 
AND ALSO ON ACCOUNT OF THE DEEP INTEREST 
WHICH FOR MANY YEARS HE HAS TAKEN 
IN THE IRISH MISSIONS. 



PREFACE. 




^ Lead on, O Lord, and I will follow Thee ; 
E'en tlioiigli my path a ragged one may be, 

Still I will omvard press, 
While Thine Almighty arm m.y steps uphold 
To cherish, keep, and bless.' 

O the Christian it is always a pleasing and 
profitable task to trace the hand of Divine 
Providence in directing and controlling the 
various revolutions of human affairs, especially in 
those things connected with the salvation of men. 
and the extension of the Redeemer s kingdomx. It 
was wxll and wisely observed by Flavel, that 
'those who diligently watch the Providence of Gocl 
shall never wa,nt for a Providence to watch/ The 
rise and progress of Methodism, and its chosen 
instruments, furnish a large chapter in the volume 
of a special Providence. The venerable Wesley 
occupies a prominent place therein, as well as his 
remarkable brother, Charles, 'the bard of Metho- 
distic song/ Nor has it been less so in its vvonder- 
workings, as seen in the preparation and rising up 



vi 



PREFACE. 



of suitable agencies for the regeneration of Ireland. 
It has been often said, that ^emergencies make the 
men;' we would rather say, that 'God makes the 
men, and providential emergencies call them forth 
or, to use the language of a great poet, 

^Divinity shapes our ends.' 

It was so in patriarchal and in prophetic times, and 
yet more remarkably so in the early history of 
Christianity; also in the origin and progress of the 
Reformation of the sixteenth, and not less so of 
the eighteenth century, in the marvellous history 
of Methodism, It is specially the design of the 
author, or rather of the compiler, of the present 
volume, to make prominent and emphatic the re- 
markable dispensation of God's unerring and 
benevolent Providence in raising up the subject of 
this memoir, and at such a tim.e ! In fact, almost 
everything about him partakes largely of the senti- 
ment so often and so familiarly expressed, speaking 
of the Most High : — 

' He nothing does or siiiTers to be done, 
Eiit Yre orirselves vroiild do, could we but see 
The end of all events as well as He.' 

There are some persons, and w^e might almost 
venture to say, m-any good people, whose history 
and memoirs could only at best interest a local or 
a family circle; there are others whose career par- 



PREFACE. 



vii 



takes so much of marvellous incident, and so much 
of the rich displays of Divine grace, as to make 
their history of world-wide importance. In this 
light, but in an humble and qualified sense, we 
would consider the history of Mr. Graham to stand, 
which the materials of the volume will, Ave hope, 
unfold. Men have been raised up in all ages, since 
the rise of Christianity, who seemed almost to tread 
in the foot-prints of apostles and martyrs ; men who 
'conferred not with flesh and blood' to impart im- 
mortal benefits on their country, and upon mankind 
in general ; perhaps never more so than during the 
latter part of the past and the beginning of the 
present century. Men who won for themselves a 
name in the annals of our Churches, and will excite 
the admiration of generations yet to come. As our 
work is closely connected with what is technically 
called ' The Irish General Mission,' we will be 
excused for naming three of those worthies who 
laboured on Irish soil, and in the Irish language, 
to an extent almost beyond conception, namely, 
Thomas Walsh, Charles Graham, and Gideon 
Ouseley — men head and shoulders above their 
fellow-labourers, and who, like David's ' three 
worthies,' endangered their lives again and again, 
in drawing the water of life from a richer fountain 
than that of the well of Bethlehem; and then, aloud, 
inviting their perishing countrymen, in the language 



VIU 



PREFACE. 



of Isaiah, ' Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to 
the vraters ; and he that hath no money, come }'e, 
&c. These men seem to have been prepared by 
the Hand Divine to become leaders in the van of 
the missionary corps, or what Dr. William Crook 
calls them in his Ameidcan Methodism, ' Lcgio 
Tonans, or the Thundering Legion/ willing — 

' To spend and to be spent, for them 

\Mio had net yet then* SaAicur kno^Ti.' 

They were also called ' Cavalry Preachers but 
better even, for euphony sake, they had been called 
' Calvary Preachers for this they were in the 
highest sense of the word. That was their watch- 
word — the secret, the source, and the centre of 
their power and success. They sang — 

' : V. ^ :.:e us eves cf fiith to see 



And break -::v.:': :r:i heart.' 

H r:::T :;'.ccess ~i:d revivals were the constant rule 

'Not, indeed, the rnovi;:?,::'. r^rrci::/ ^5 Dr. Dixon 
states in his Life of JJ:ii::\ rh- 5:eady and 
onward flow of the majesjic river, srre? ^'::.v bloom 
and beauty- in its course alone the ^oiV 
Such moral triumphs and victories constrain us to 



PREFACE. 



ix 



say, that when the laurels of Waterloo shall have 
mouldered into dust, and the deeds of Trafalgar 
shall lie deep beneath the sable wave of oblivion, 
the toils and triumphs, the conflicts and conquests, 
of those deathless names of missionary fame, shall 
be had in everlasting remembrance not only in the 
archives of the Church militant but in those of the 
Church triumphant as well. It is, therefore, incum- 
bent on the Church to rescue and redeem as much 
as possible of their history, to stimulate the zeal, to 
challenge the faith, and to rouse the energies of the 
Church of the present, and to transmit the same 
down to the latest generation. During the period 
in which men live who have been eminent for use- 
fulness, the public is rarely led to examine the 
slow gradations by which that usefulness becomes 
matured ; it will therefore be our pleasing duty to 
supply this deficiency, at least in some degree, con- 
cerning one of the above evangelistic lights — so 
small at its commencement, but so clear and steady 
during a long period of more than half a century — 
we mean Mr. Graham. Of Mr. Ouseley, also, we 
will be able to speak largely, and considerably 
from documents unpublished before. On Thomas 
Walsh we will not enlarge more than to say, that 
he was one of the earliest fruits gathered in from 
the Irish harvest field, through the instrumentality 
of one of the very first preachers Mr. Wesley sent 



X 



PREFACE. 



to this country. His conversion took place in the 
street in Limerick, while Robert Swindles preached 
from Matt. xi. 28, 'Come unto me all ye that labour 
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest/ 
Thomas was a respectable Roman Catholic young 
man, who lived at a distance, but came into Limerick 
that day. He was intended for the priesthood. 
The word reached his heart, and from that time he 
became a 'burning and a shining light,' and died, as 
it has been quaintly but truly said, 'An aged man, 
at twenty-eight.''''^ A considerable portion of the 
materials at the command of the writer were left 
by Mr. Graham himself; other portions by his son, 
and the remainder the result of hard catering 
among the living and the dead. It is upwards of 
thirty years since he was first urged to undertake 
this task, which he did then attempt, but, for want 
of tim.e on the laborious posts of duty assigned to 
him, he had to abandon it again and again. And 
even now the same cause might justify the post- 

* Some good men in London lamented to Mr. Wesley that lie and his 
brother Charles should spend so much of their time in Ireland, and send so 
many of their preachers there. Mr. Wesley replied, * Have patience, and 
Ireland will repay you.' *We could hardly think it,' said they; 'but when 
Mr. Walsh came, we saw that Mr. Wesley's faith was better than ours.' 
Besides, v/e may say that he taught John Wesley the doctrine of * Christian 
perfection.' Thus Ireland, though poor, has made many rich from that 
to the present ; and it may be that God intends her to be yet a gi-eater bless- 
ing than ever, not only to England, but to the world at large. O Lord, 
arise and have mercy upon our Zion, and send even now prosperity. 



PREFACE. 



XI 



ponement for some future season, during which he 
might have more leisure ; but as so much attention 
has been lately directed to this General Mission 
agency, both by the persecution which the writer 
met with during the past year, as well as the interest 
taken in its success, in this country and in America, 
he considers a further delay would not serve the 
cause in which Mr. Graham and others so nobly 
laboured. And, although the work has been hastily 
written, and mostly so when others were enjoying 
the balm of ' Nature s sweet restorer,' yet he ven- 
tures to send it forth, and will feel more than re- 
paid if but the heart of some drooping missionary 
is cheered in his hallowed toil ; and if it shall, in 
the slightest degree, contribute to promote the 
interests and perpetuate the agency of ' The Irish 
General Mission. 

These circumstances will, it is hoped, apologise 
for many errors; and now, sincerely praying that 
the same missionary flame which burned with such 
fervour in the breast of this devoted prophet of the 
Lord, and of his associates in this great enterprise, 
may be coveted and realized by himself and by all 
our ministers, this humble volume is thus committed 
to Him without whom nothing is strong, or wise, 
or holy, or good, but with whose favour the feeblest 
effort can a 'lasting blessing prove.' The writer 
also hopes the sermon in the Appendix, which is 



Xll 



PREFACE. 



only one of at least five hundred which Mr. Graham 
left, and well written out, will be acceptable to 
many, and also the Irish hymn, with its humble 
translation. There are three other indices added, 
to the last of which we would direct particular 
attention, as it bears on the grand cardinal doctrine 
of our glorious Christianity, ' Justification by faith 
alone' so much needed at the present time. 
The author must here express himself as laid 
under renewed and lasting obligation to his con- 
stant and respected friend, the Rev. W. Arthur, 
A.M., for his kind permission to dedicate this 
memoir of Mr. Graham to him. If a higher mark 
of respect could be offered — if indeed it can be at 
all regarded in that light — it would be gratefully 
tendered to our honoured countryman. We will 
now conclude these prefatory remarks with the 
lines which will be found at the end of Mr. Ouse- 
ley's master-work on the Rom.ish controversy, 
called Old Christianity : — 

' Go forth my artless book, in Jesus' name 
I cast tliee on the ^vaters • 

Go thy ways, 
And if, as I beheve, thy meaning 's good, 
' The world shall find thee 
After ma.nv days.' 

W. G. C. 

Blackrock, Dublix, August 2 0. 1 868. 



CONTENTS. 



Introduction ...... xxiii 

CHAPTER I. 

EARLY LIFE AND CONVERSION. 

Description of Sligo and its neighbourhood. — Its scenery. — Lough GiU. 
— Distinguished in Irish History. — Skirmish with the French. — 
The latter suhdued by INIarquis ComwaUis. — Civil wars. — The 
birthplace of Graham. — Character of his parents. — His great- 
grandmother. — The state of morals most deplorable. — Sent to 
school. — Returns. — Becomes reckless. — Invocation of saints and 
angels. — His father's death. — Obtained his blessing. — Promises 
amendment. — Revolts again. — Death of a respectable female. — 
Wake. — Rebuked. — Balaam. — His end. — Invited to preaching in 
Sligo. — Plainness of congregation. — Dress. — Mr. Wesley's and 
author's opinion. — Wm. Bramwell. — Anecdote. — Hears the Rev. 
F. Wrigley. — Convinced of sin. — Deep distress. — Finds mercy. — 
Great joy, — Grieves the Spiiit. — Great anguish.— Restoration. — 
Greater joy than before . . . . . 3*14 

CHAPTER II. 

BECOMES A LOCAL PREACHER — CONFLICT AND VICTORY. 

After his restoration, begins to labour with redoubled energ)-.— Increases 
in influence and esteem. — Becomes a local preacher. — A myste- 
rious revelation. — Goes to preach for the first time from a text of 
Scripture. — Is encouraged gi"eatly. — Heavy trials occur. — Divi- 
sions in the Sligo Society. — Entertains views on the 'limited 
atonement.' — -Renounces them. — Has fever. — fleets My. Thomas, 
by whom he is instructed and encouraged. — T^Ir. Wesley's visit to 



xiv 



CONTENTS, 



Sligo. — Wesley not discouraged, although forgotten by some of 
his former friends. — Mr. Graham made very useful. — Richard 
Baxter's view of the ministr}^ — Persecution. — Interviews with 
priests. — Smart reply. — Revival round the ^Sligo circuit. — Struck 
by a Romanist who was buried that day week. — Evil Reports. — 
Envy. — Young's Description. — Ovid's also, with Dryden's trans- 
lation. — Description of Antichrist. — 1771 . . 16-23 

CHAPTER III. 

FILIAL ATTACHMENT — MARRIAGE, AND ENTIRE CONSECRATION 
TO GOD. 

Very acceptable as a local preacher. — Watches over his mother's age 
with great anxiety. — Can't think of leaving her. — Some impression 
about future and more extended usefulness. — Enters the marriage 
state. — Makes a happy choice. — His wife's early conversion and 
usefulness. — The bliss of kindred spirits. — She is a true helpmate. 
— Thoughts about emigrating. — His mother's happy death. — 
Renewed thoughts of emigrating prevented. — Seeks and obtains 
the blessing of perfect love. — Recommends it to others. — A great 
revival follows. — Mr. Wesley's visit to Sligo. — Awful tragedy in 
Sligo before the Revolution. — Fearful massacre of Protestants in 
1641. — Luther obtained holiness of heart ; so does D'Aubigne and 
others. — Mr. Fletcher's language appropriate. — Perfect resignation 
to the will of God. — 1772 ..... 25-29 

CHAPTER IV. 

PREPARATION FOR THE EVANGELIZATION OF KERRY. 
Labours for many years in the capacity of a local preacher. — Dr. Coke 
visits Sligo. — Mr. Graham's interview with him. — Refuses to go 
on the Irish mission. — The Doctor's disappointment. — Makes out 
a sermon m the Irish language. — Made a blessing. — Other attempts 
prosecuted. — Remarkable dream. — Mr. Black drowned. — Bartho- 
lomew Campbell's visit to Sligo. — Converted in Lough Derg. — 
Conference record of Mr. Black. — Campbell and Graham's popu- 
larity on the Sligo circuit. — Also on the Longford circuit. — 
Campbell returns home. — Graham preaches before the district. — 
Recommended to Conference. — Accepted. — Appointed to the 
County Kerry. — Prepares for the journey. — Much cast dowm. — 
1 776-1 790 31-35 



CONTENTS. 



XV 



CHAPTER V. 

ENTRANCE TO KERRY. 

He leaves the place of his nativity for Kerry. — Calls at and settles his 
family in Limerick. — Receives bad treatment in Castle Island. — Is 
received by a farmer. — Enters Tralee. — Takes the street. — Great 
opposition. — Tries it again. — Succeeds. — A persecutor injured. — 
Moral courage. — Leaves for Milltow. — Succeeds. — Revival; 
many converted. — Great opposition from the Romish priesthood. — 
Judgments. — Great superstition. — Peter Cartwright, of America. — 
An Irish Preacher. — Retaliation. — Altar Denunciations. — Remark- 
able conversion in Dingle. — Another singular case. — Domestic 
bliss.— Co^vper. — Greatly respected by all classes. — Many added to 
the society. — Terminates his first year's labour. — Poetry. — 1790 37-46 

CHAPTER VL 

IRELAND'S EVANGELIZATION. 
Mr. Graham appointed the third preacher to Limerick circuit. — Revisits 
Kerry. — Takes up parts of Cork. — Great success. — A remarkable 
circumstance. — A whole family converted. — Visits Newmarket, 
Kanturk, Mallow, Doneraile, etc. — Remarkable conversion of a 
freemason. — The Rev. James Olliffe. — Lord Doneraile. — Lord 
Mountcashel. — Prepares to leave the countr}^ — Deep regret at 
leaving this loving people. — They sorrowed greatly after him. — 
Dreams and visions. — St. Paul. — St. Patrick; his creed. — His 
armour or hymn. — No Roman Catholic. — A genuine Protestant. 
— 1791 4S-S7 

CHAPTER VIL 

MR Graham's appointment to the north. 
Mr. Graham leaves Kerry. — Deep regret. — Returns to Limerick. — 
Meets the superintendent. — Delivers up his accounts. — Resigned 
as to his appointment. — Goes to Enniskillen. — Meets his colleague. 
— Mutual faith and hope for a revival. — Very popular preacher in 
Irish. — Persecution from Rome. — Second year in Enniskillen. — 
Great prosperity. — Recounts God's dealing for four years. — Gra- 
titude. — Appointed to Birr or Parsonstown. — Visits Clare. — 
Extract from Minutes. — Appointed to IMountrath. — Labours with 
Rev. A. Averell, — Extracts from his life. — Representative to 
English Conference. — Driven on shore by stress of weather. — 



XVI 



CONTENTS. 



Providential dream. — Humorous mistake of a bellman. — Messrs. 
Graham and Averell's labours and success. — Rebellion of 1798. — 
Conference. — Providential escape. — Burning of mail-coach near 
Naas. — Messrs. G. and A. Taylor's escape in Vv'exford. — Appointed 
to Longford, with Messrs, Smith and Andrew Taylor. — Letter to 
his son. — EngHsh sympathy. — C. Wesley. . , 59-68 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE IRISH GENERAL MISSION, JULY 1 799 TO JULY 180O. 

The Rev. W. vSmith's history. — Dr. Coke's missions. — General mis- 
sionaries. — Dr. Coke's encouragement. — Mr. Ouseley's appoint- 
ment. — Mr. Lanktree's opinion of him. — Graham visits a convict 
in Longford Gaol. — Prays with him. — Hopes of his conversion and 
happy death. — First street service after appointment to general 
mission. — Rev. W. Reilly's opinion of Graham and Ouseley. — 
Preaches in Sligo-street. — Opposition and success. — Labours for 
six weeks there. — ^Journey to and from Dublin. — Preaching on the 
■way. — Tullamore, Drogheda. — Letters to Dr. Coke. — Removes 
to Clones. — Great labours tln-ough the North. — Visits Smith- 
borough, Monaghan, Newbliss. — Marvellous results. — Also Balli- 
bay, Cootehill, Clones. — Prepares for next Conference. — Esteem 
each other with increasing affection. — The Conference justified in 
appointing thi-ee additional missionaries for next year (1800), — 
Names and appointments. — Spheres of labour. . . 7098 

CHAPTER IX. 

JULY 1800 TO JANUARY 180I. 

Labours and Journals from the end of June until Conference. — Also at 
Conference. — Returns from Conference. — Very remarkable success 
in several places. — Arrives in Clones. — Sets out again. — Visits 
Kilmore. — Opposed m Clones by the magisterial clergjanan. — 
Also the captain of the militia. — Castleblayney. — Keady. — 
Monaghan. — Preaches to a wedding party. — Hopeful results. — 
• Six weeks' tour through the North. — Good work in the South. — 
Letter from Messrs. Kane and Webb to Dr. Coke. — Also from 
Mr. M^Quigg. — Persecution in Clones. — Popularity of the mis- 
sionaries in consequence. — Their visits to Caledon, Charlemont, 
Loughgall, Armagh, and other places. — Extracts from their letters, 
October to December. — Mr. Graham's ' license ' to preach. — Close 
of the half-year's labours .... 100-I19 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER X. 

JANUARY TO JULY 180I. 

Remarkable conversions. — Opposition from officers at Irvinestov/n. — 
Biographer of Ouseley. — Correspondent of Dr. Coke. — ^Journal. — 
Roslea, Wattsbridge, pionkirk, Clones, Redhill. — Mrs. Little. — 
Great temptation. — Deliverance. — Notorious sinners converted. — 
Ballykaise, Cavan, Killeshandra, Carrigallen, Arvagh. — Cloone 
blood men. — Mr. Harpnr and respectable neiglibom". — Families. — 
Drumlamey, Manorhamilton ; revival. — Revival in 1832 at Kiile- 
sliandra, Longford, Killashee, Kenagli, and BallyTQahon. — Great 
opposition. — Conduct of the priest at Baltyhownas. — Goshen. — 
Granard. — The missionaries return to Mr. Harpur's. — Extracts 
from Mr. Graham's journal. — Conversion of Terence M'Gowan 121-135 

CHAPTER XL 

JULY 1 801 TO JULY 1802. 

Graham, and Ouseley's appointm.ents. — Three of the missionaries retire 
— two from over- exertion. — Opinion of the Conference in regard to 
the effects of the general mission. — Dr. Coke's opinion. — rTr. 
Wesley's opinion of the Irish. — Rev. Dr. W. Crook's opinion of 
the general mission. — Mr. Graham's letter to Dr. Coke. — Labours 
at Bandon, Clonmel, Waterford. — Rev. M. Lanktree's opinion. — 
Intelligence from Cork, Dunmanway, Ballyclehob, Newry, and 
several places. — Rev. ISIr. Ridgeway. — Rev. YV. Reiily. — A late 
writer's opinion. — Poetry 137-143 

CHAPTER XIL 

MEANS ADOPTED FOR A MORE EXTENSIVE REVIVAL. 

The general mission appointment for 1802. — Increase during three 
first years of the general mission, 10,473, — Irish address to 
the English Conference. — The missionaries visit the eastern part 
of the kingdom. — Great persecution in Kilkenny. — ]Mr. Ouseley 
mote to the Catholic Bishop.- — x\ppointments for 1803. — Mr. 
Reilly's account of same. — Also Mr. Lanktree's account. — Favour- 
able reception in Kilkenny. — Death of P.ev. John Johnston. — 
Question and answers relative to the best m.eans of promoting a 
revival. — Appointments of 1804. — ^Ir. Ouseley's letter to Dr. 



XVIU 



CONTENTS. 



Coke. — Visit to Carlow. — Ditto to Kilkenny, third time. — Letter 
to Mr. Graham from Miss Ould, Coleraine. — Missionary appoint- 
• ments for 1805. — Increase of same. — 1802 to 1805 . 145-152 

CHAPTER XIII. 

GRAHA^r AND OUSELEY ARE APPOINTED TO DIFFERENT DISTRICTS. 

Hymn by Horatious Bonar. — Air. Graham parts with I\Ir. Ouseley. — 
Death of Mrs. Graham. — Letter of iSIrs. Ouseley. — Conference 
record. — Another letter from Miss Quid. — Appointments for 1806. 
— Letter from Mr. Graham to his son. — Lorenzo Dow. — His great 
usefulness. — Ouseley and Hamilton's gi-eat persecution in Eyre- 
court. — Remarkable conversion of a Presbyterian clerg}-man. — 
The thrashers. — Conversion of a Roman Catholic. — Air. Ouseley's 
horse injured. — Conference record of the missions. — Answer of 
British Conference. — Conversion of a persecutor in the County 
Clare. — Another remarkable case at Wexford . . 1 54-161 

CHAPTER XIV. 

^IR. GRAHAM RETURNS TO CIRCUIT WORK. — 1S07 TO l8l2. 

Mr. Graham returns to circuit work. — Labours on the Athlone roimd. 
— Puts his papers into the hands of Mr. Roger Lamb. — Appointed 
to Mallow in 1808. — Letter of Mr. Ouseley to Mr. Lanktree. — 
Appointed second year to Mallow. — Second letter of Mr. Ouseley. 
— A^\Tul superstition. — Appointed to Longford in 18 10. — Conver- 
sion and happy death of the Rev. AI. Harrison, of Xaas. — Hymn. 
— Four Letters of Mr. Graham to his son. — Appointed to Cavan in 
1811. — To Mountrath for 1812-1813. — Death of his brother. — Lord 
Sidmouth's Bill. ..... 163-172 

CHAPTER XV. 

DIVISION ANTICIPATED. 

Dr. Coke's last visit to Ireland. — Obtains tAvo missionaries for Ceylon. 
— Cox, the American ^Missionary. — Elliott. — Lines on Dr. Coke's 
death. — Mr. Graham's letter to his son. — ]\Ir. Ouseley's semion in 
Limerick. — Mr. Graham's appointment to Xewtovrnbany. — The 
Rev. John Hadden. — Letter. — Increase of ^ilissionaries. — jNIr. 
Ouseley's appeal to go to India. — Refusal. — 'Mi: X'oble's conver- 
sion, — Visit to VickloAA". — Mr. Reilly's letter. — -vlarvellous con- 



CONTENTS. 



versions.- — !\Ir. Graham's second year's appointment. — Letter of a 
Roman Catholic convert. — The Rev. Mr. Blanshard's letter to 
Mr. Graham. — Asked to go to India. — Refuses. — The Rev. John 
M 'Kenny's appointment, — Discussion on the sacraments 174-182 

CHAPTER XVL 

FAMILY AFFLICTION — COXVERSION OF HIS SOX. 

Mr. Graham's third appointment to Xevrtov»mbarry. — His brother's 
death. — Letter to his son on the subject. — Serious accident, narrov/ 
escape. — Letter describing it. — Great agitation on the subject of 
the sacraments. — Author's wish for its renewed settlement, and 
union of both bodies. — The Rev. W. Hamilton's happy death. — 
Letter from Rev. S. Wood. — ]Mr. Graham's appointment to Carlow. 
— Letter to his son. — Letter of the Rev. F. Tackaberry, his son in 
the Gospel. — Letter of Rev. C. Mayne. — Rev. James Rutledge. — 
His letter. — His trials and marv^ellous deliverance in the army. — 
Lord Cornwallis. — Mr E.utledge's deliverance. — The conversion 
of 3'Oung jNIr. Graham in Dublin. — His father's joy . 184-191 

CHAPTER XVII. 

REAPPOINTED TO MISSION WORK. 

Appointed to Newtownbany as a missionary in his sixty-ninth year. — 
Supplies for the circuit minister. — Extract of a letter from his son, 
■ — Letter from Rev. Samuel Steele. — Letter from young Mr. Graham 
to his father. — Brief journals for seven months. — Letter from Mr. 
Feely. — Letter from Mr. Graliam to the Rev. Joseph Taylor, 
London. — Another to same. — Letters to his son, and to Mr. 
Taylor ....... 193-200 

CHAPTER XVIIL 

SPIRITUAL CHILDREN — LETTERS. 

Letter to his son. — Do. to My. Taylor of London. — Mission house cir- 
cular from Rev. ^.lessrs. Bunting, Taylor, and R. Watson. — Mr. 
Graham's second year's appointment to X'ew^townbarry. — Letter 
from Mr. John Feely. — Letter from young Mr. Graham on sancti- 
fication. — Letter of Rev. John Wesley on the same sul:^ecl. — 
Letter to iMr. Taylor, of London. — Do., very important 202-210 



XX 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

CHAPTER XIX. 

ENLARGED MISSION — LETTERS AND RESULTS. 

A letter from INIr. Graham to his son. — A letter from yomig Mr. Graham 
to his father. — INIr. Graham's letter to his son in reply. — Letter from 
Rev. M. Lanktree. — His views of Christian unity and union appli- 
cable to our being united to the Primitive connexion. — Mr. Ouseley's 
mode of arguing with Roman Catholics. — Conversion of a soldier 
at ^yaterloo. — Letter from Mr. Graham to liis son. — Visit of Rev. 
John Feely, his son in the Gospel. — ^Ir. Feely's character of Mr. 
Ouseley. — My, Ouseley's of Mi\ Feely. — Mr. Graham to his son. 
Two letters to mission secretaiy. — Another to his son , 212-223 

CHAPTER XX. 

PREPARATION FOR ETERNITY. 

Fifth appointment to Wexford. — Letter to his son. — Letter to mis- 
sionary secretary in London in 1822. — Also one in begimiing of 
1823. — Another to his son .... 225-228 

CHAPTER XXI. 

JOURNALS — GREAT OPPOSITION. 

Mr. Graham's last appointment. — King's County. — Athlone. — Leaves 
Coimty Wexford. — Great giief. — Letter to Rev. Mr. Taylor of 
London. — Letter from Athlone to his son. — Concern of a Roman 
Catholic yoimg man. — Illness. — Sympathetic letter from Rev. G, 
Ouseley. — Extract of INIr. Graham's third last letter to his son. — 
Second last letter. — x\lso the last, and yery interesting 230-235 

CHAPTER XXII. 

SICKNESS AND DEATH DESCRIBED. 

Mr. Pilch. — Assists INIr. Graham. — His Visits. — Work on the mission. 
Mr. Graham rejoices in his prosperity. — Visit of Rev. Jolm Feely. 
— Great delight. — Prays vdtli the congi-egation. — Conversion of a 
Roman Cathohc near Gillan. — Visit of his | son. — Triumphant 
death 237-244 



CONTENTS. 



XXI 



PAGE 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



CHARACTER OF MR. GRAHAM. 



Observations on Mr. Graham's death by the author. — -His mmisterial 
appointments. — Conference character. — Observations by his son 
Charles. — By Rev. Wm. Ferguson. — Mr. Ferguson's epitaph in 
Stephen's Green Wesleyan Chapel suitable — Letter from Mr. 
Ouseley to Mr. Lanktree on Mr. Graham's death. — Mr. Lanktree's 
character in part, "in note. — Rev. R. Huston's character of Mr. 
Graham. — Preachers bom in Connaught. — Mr. Punshon's lines in 
note. — Rev. Richard Tracey on Mr. Graham. — Rev. John Byrne 
on same and his poem ..... 246-257 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

SEVERAL OPINIONS ON THE MINISTERIAL^'AND MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE. 

Views of Rev. Thomas Jackson on the Chiistian mmistry. — Ditto the 
Rev. WilUam Arthm-.— Ditto Rev. Charles Prest.— Ditto Rev. 
Mr. Perks.— Ditto Rev. Mr. Briggs.— Ditto Rev. Dr. Scott.— Ditto 
Rev. Dr. Crook.— Ditto late Rev. R. Wallace.— Epitaph.— Ditto 
Rev. John B}T:ne. — Ditto a lay gentleman. — Ditto Rev. John Hill. 
—Ditto Rev. O. M'Cutcheon.— Ditto Mr. Sheriff M 'Arthur, of 
London 259-271 



Rev. Dr. Stevens' description of the labours and fruit of the general 
mission. — Dr. George Smith's (of Cambourne) account of the 
English Home Mission. — Mission under Dr. Coke, as the result of 
the success of the Irish !\Iission. — The conversion of the Daiiy- 
man's daughter. — Also of ^Irs. Slacke of Amtadale. — Sudden 
death. — Mrs. Whittaker of Sligo. — A remarkable woman. — 
Sudden death ...... 273-282 



CHAPTER XXV. 



FRUIT. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



Appendix A 
Appendix B 
Appendix C 
Appendix D 



Conclusion — the general mission 



284-296 
299-504 
306-311 

318-323 



LINES ON IRELAND. 



Said to be first written in Latin about a thousand years ago — likely when 
she first obtained the appellation of * Island of Saints,' and long before 
she was visited by the Church of Rome. 

' Far westward lies an isle of ancient fame, 
By nature blest, and Ireland is her name ; 
Enrolled in books, exhaustless in her store 
Of veiny silver, and of golden ore ; 
Her fruitful soil for ever teems with wealth, 
With gems her waters, and her air with health ; 
Her verdant fields with milk and honey flow, 
Her woolly fleeces vie with virgin snow ; 
Her waving furrows float with bearded corn. 
And arms and arts her envied sons adorn. 
No savage bear with lawless fury roves ; 
No roaring lion through her peaceful groves ; 
No poison here infects, no scaly snakes 
Creep through her grass, nor toad among her lakes. 
An island worthy of its pious race. 
In war triumphant, and mimatched in peace.' 



INTRODUCTION. 



' Let others boast their ancient hne, 
In long succession gi-eat ; 
In the proud list let heroes shine, 
And monarchs swell the state. 
Descended from the King of kings, 
Each saint a nobler title sings.' 

HE term ^ Apostle/ as connected with the title of this 
book, and applied to Mr. Graham, requires explana- 
tion. We use it only in a secondary or conventional 
sense. It has been frequently so used by churches in aU 
ages, especially in reference to missionaries who first intro- 
duced the Gospel into new places ; for instance, Swartz was 
called the Apostle of India ; Brainard, the Apostle of the 
North American Indians; Judson, the Apostle of Burmah, and 
it has been often so used among ourselves, as in the case of John 
Crook, who was called ' the Apostle of the Isle of Man,' &:c. 
The term aTrofrroXog literally signifies ^a messenger' or envoy — 
«7ro, from, and gtsWo), to send — ' I send a message,' that is, sent 
on a confidential errand. The w^ord was anciently used to signify 
a person commissioned by a king to negotiate important affairs, 
then it was used synonymously with the word ^ herald.' The 
apostles were first called disciples, to denote that men must be 
jfirsf taught of God before they are se?it of God. See Dr. 
Clarke on Matthew x. 2, and Rom. i. i. It is applied to our 




xxiv 



INTRODLXTION. 



Lord (see Heb. iii. i) in a peculiar and pre-eminent sense, 
as ' The sent of God — also applied to the t>velve apostles in a 
special sense, and in which there can be no successors. It 
was necessary for them to see our Lord, to witness His death, 
resurrection, and ascension \ to write the Scriptures, and to 
work miracles ; hence the modern ' apostolical successio7i ' boast 
is, as Archbishop Whately said, ^a fable but in spirit, in labours, 
in success, and in the conversion of sinners, it may be justifi- 
able j and in this sense it is so used by us. The ^vriter would 
now record another name, that of the Rev. Edvrard Hazleton, 
who may well be called 'the Apostle of Donegal.' He was 
instrumental in the conversion of the gifted Dr. Elliott, of 
America, the author of the work entitled Roman Catholicism. 
In the minutes of 1855, which record Mr. Hazleton's death, it 
is said, '• hundreds \vill be the cro™ of his rejoicing in the day 
of the Lord Jesns.' His last words were, ^ the ^ill of the Lord 
be done.' He deserves a lengthened record. The crater would 
say the same of many more of our beloved fathers, such as the 
Revds. VV". Ferguson, M. Tobias, Wm. Stewart, and his per- 
sonal friend, H. Deeiy, «S:c. It would fail him to speak of 
about one hmidred more of those standard bearers who passed 
away to mansions in the skies since he entered the ministry, 
in 1 83 1. What a glorious ^shining front' of God's nobility 
from the Irish battle field there displays the ' miutterable 
name.' "Whatever may have been their pretensions on earth, 
theyl^have now realized the truth of Tennyson's (Poet Laureate) 
lines : — 

* 'Tis oiily noble to be good ; 

Kind hearts are more than coronets, 
And simple faith than Xorman blood.' 

The name Graha7n signifies in the Danish language (from 



INTRODUCTION. 



XXV 



which it is derived), ' the commander of an army/ — and one 
might ahiiost venture to say, that it was never more appropri- 
ately apphed, in the best sense of the term, than to the subject 
of this memoir : for, since the daj^s of the apostles, perhaps no 
man gathered in, and conducted onward, a greater number of 
^ the sacramental host' — the Wesleys and Whitfield excepted — 
than Charles Graham, as the following pages v/ill testify. With 
them, he also miglit truly exclaim : — 

' O the fathomless love that has deigii'd to approve 

And prosper the work of my hands I 
With my pastoral crook I went over the brook, 

And, behold, I am spread into bands ! 
Who, I ask in am_aze, hath begotten me these, 

And inquire from what quarter they came ? 
My full heart it replies, they are born from the skies, 

And gives glory to God and the Lamb.' 

The large families of the Grahams now spread over England, 
Ireland, and Scotlaaid, are all of Danish extraction, and have 
descended from the renowned GrcEceme^ the son of Scioldus, 
the king of Denmark, It appears that Fergus II., king of 
Scotland, v^as married to the daughter of this Gr^aeme about the 
year 404. The father is said to have accompained his son-ui- 
law to Scotland with his family, and became a general in the 
king's armiy. In an engagement with the Romans, v»'ho had 
invaded the kingdom, he completely routed them, and 
broke dov/n the wall vdiich Severus, the Seventh Emperor 
of Rome, had erected from the Frith of Forth to the 
Clyde. The breach vras afterwards, and v/e believe is still 
called Graham's Dyke, or Dock, near Dumbarton. In the 
year 11 28, vvC read in Scotch history of " Vvilliam de Graeasme' 
being one of the witnessses to the la3ing of the foundation 
of the Abbey of Holyrood House, by King David I. In 



XXVI 



INTPvODUCTION. 



the 3^ear 1814, the late Sir Walter Scott v.Tote a letter to 
the Rev. John Graham, author of the Siege of Derry^ and which 
afterwards appeared in the Dublin University Magazine for the 
3-ear 1833, in vv'hich he distinctly states, that James the First of 
England and Sixth of Scotland, on his accession to the English 
throne, banished many of the Grahams to the North of Ire- 
land, not from arbitrary, but from political motives, suspecting 
their strong adherence to the English interest. This proved 
an infinite blessing to that part of the country, then vrild and 
waste, but Charles Graham's ancestors were not among those 
settlers. His came directly from Scotland at the time of the 
Revolution, and fought gallantly under King William. They 
aftenvards settled dovai in different places, no doubt well 
rev\'arded for their bravery. The ancestral family of Mr. 
Graham fixed their residence at Dmmahair, about six miles 
from Siigo \ the ruins of the old mansion are said to remain 
there still. The head of the family, being a Scotch laird 
vras in the habit of returning yearly to Scotland for his rents, 
but one of those occasions proved to be his last. It was sup- 
posed he was either drowned or m.urdered. He was never 
heard of aftenvards. He left a widow and four orphan sons 
to deplore his loss, and that in a strange land. One of those 
sons was the grandfather of Charles Graham. Alas ! how 
uncertain are the fairest prospects on earth, confirmed by ever}' 
day's experience.'" AVhat is our life? It is but a vapour. 

The aged widovr was truly pious, as will be seen. She reared 
her children industriously and vrell, and also her grandson, the 

* Perhaps this was never more tragically illustrated than by the a^a-ful 
scene which this day's papers (Aiig^ast 21, 1868) describe, just as these lines 
are going to press. Some thirty-nve persons hurried into eternity 
yesterday, by the Irish mail train from. London coming in contact with 



INTRODUCTION. 



XXVU 



father of Charles ; but while we may here trace Mr. Graham's 
family through a long line of ancestral respectability, it will 
be our more pleasing duty and privilege to trace him to a 
higher, a richer, a nobler parentage, by which alone he could 
claim a title to 'A never-fading crora.' And, after all, what 
are worldly distinctions and an earthly name, even royalty 
itself, especially in the time of worldly reverses, and in the 
hour of death ? But, above all, what will they avail in ^ that day 
for which all other days were made ?' — for ' without holiness 
no man shall see the Lord,' and all thanks to our God, this 
holiness may now be ours. 

' True happiness is not the growth of earth. 

The search is useless if you seek it there ; 
'Tis an exotic of celestial birth, 
And only blossoms in celestial air.' 

waggons laden -with petroleum oil, and which ignited by the concussion ; 
not a mom_ent left as a preparation for eternity ! Among the number are an 
Irish nobleman and his lady, and worthily spoken of for many good 
qualities. What a comment on Gray's lines: — 

' The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, 

And all that beauty, all that Vv^ealth e'er gave, 
Awaitflike the inevitable hour — 
The path of glor}^ leads but to the gi-ave.' 



*God is love,^ — I John iv. 8. 



* Love found me in the wilderness, at cost 
Of painful quests, when I myself had lost ; 
Love on its shoulders joyfully did lay 
Me, weary with the greatness of my way ; 
Love lit the lamp, and swept the house all round, 
Till the lost money in the end was found ; 
'Twas Love whose quick and ever watchful eye 
The wanderer's first step homewards did espy ; 
From its own wardrobe Love gave word to bring 
What things I needed — shoes, and robe, and ring. ' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



- CHAPfTER 1. 

EARLY LIFE AND CONVERSION. 

Description of Sligo and its neighbourhood. — Its scenery. — 
Lough Gill. — Distinguished in Irish history. — Skirmish 
WITH THE French. — The latter subdued by Marquis 
Cornwallis. — Civil wars. — The birthplace of Graham. — 
Character of his parents. — His great-grandmother. — The 

STATE OF MORALS MOST DEPLORABLE. — SeNT TO SCHOOL. — RETURNS. 

— Becomes reckless. — Invocation of saints and angels. — His 
father's death. — Obtained his blessing. — Promises amend- 
ment. — Revolts again. — Death of a respectable female. — 
Wake. — Rebuked. — Balaam. — His end. — Invited to preach- 
ing IN Sligo. — Plainness of congregation. — Dress. — Mr. 
Wesley's and author's opinion. — Wm. Bramwell. — Anecdote. 
— Hears the Rev. F. Wrigley. — Convinced of sin. — Deep 
DISTRESS. — Finds mercy. — Great joy. — Grieves the Spirit. — 
Great anguish. — Restoration. — Greater joy than before. 

HE to^vn of Sligo, near to which Mr. Graham w^as 
born, and in which he was aften\^ards ^born of the 
! Spirit/ is a good Irish sea-port, in the province of 
Connaught, and is situated on the north-western coast of 
the island. It lies in the centre of a vast basin, fomied by 
surrounding mountains. The Atlantic ^lo^ys into it, and forms 
a commodious and beautiful harbour for ships*of large tonnage. 




4 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



The town is also rich in a variety of ancient ruins, some of which 
are in a fine state of preservation. The neighbourhood abounds 
in all the elements of picturesque scenery. It is relieved from 
the monotony of other parts of Ireland by an agreeable diversity 
of wood and water, of mountain range and fertile valley, all of 
which render it what may be truly called romantic — including 
the bold, the beautiful, and the sublime. Lough Gill, close by, 
can compare in beauty, for its size, with any lake in Ireland, and 
may be called ^ the Killamey of Connaught.' The town is dis- 
tinguished in Irish history for having given battle in 1798 to 
General Humbert, who commanded the French army, and who 
had to succumb to Marquis Coitiwallis, a few days after, in the 
County Longford. It also suffered much from the civil wars of 
1640 and 1 641, to which we must refer again. But while these 
attractions of place and scenery may be interesting to tourists, 
historians, or antiquaries, they are still more so to the admirers 
of the footprints of Providence and of grace, inasmuch as they 
are associated with the names of many of the illustrious dead, 
who served both the Church of God and their country, and 
especially as being the birth-place of the subject of our Memoir. 
They witnessed his early days, his rising manhood, his conver- 
sion to God, and particularly his early evangelistic labours, for 
at least some twenty years of his hallowed career. 

Mr. Graham was bom on the 20th August 1750, at a village 
called Tullinnagrackin, within two English miles of the town of 
Sligo, on the south or Dublin side, and, to use his own lan- 
guage, ^ of parents who were punctual, honest, and kind, but as 
to vital piety, it was neither known nor thought of They con- 
formed to the service of the Church of England, as they had 
no place of worship in the locality belonging to that of their 
forefathers — the Church of Scotland. His father was reared by 
his own grandmother, the ancestral lady already alluded to, 
who, like another Lais^ instructed him well in the theory of 
divine truth until he became at least a good textuarist But 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY* 5 

his knowledge, alas, was all in vain as far as decision for Christ 
was concerned 

* Knowledge, alas, 'tis all in vain, 

And all in vain our fear ; 
Our stubborn sins will fight and reign, 
If love be absent there. ' 

The state of morals in that neighbourhood then, and indeed 
one might justly say all over the land, was most deplorable. 
An episcopalian clergyman writes of the period thus — ' Every 
sin might be practised with impunity; the country was degraded, 
ignorant, and corrupt; and after the celebration of divine 
worship (on the Sabbath), both in the Church and Roman 
Catholic chapel, away went all, accompanied by priest and 
parson, either to the chase or to the merry dance-ring, so well 
described by Goldsmith in his Deserted Village — 

"And still as each repeated pleasure tired, 
Succeeding sports the mirthful band inspired." ' 

An aged Wesleyan minister, the Rev. Matthew Lanktree, 
wrote of this era also in the following mournfully graphic 
language : — ^ Blasphemy, Sabbath-breaking, and drunkenness, 
were awfully predominant; party spirit, pitched battles, san- 
guinary conflicts, nocturnal devastations, and private murders, 
were the order of the day. At fairs ^nd markets they fought 
like furies, until bloodshed and battery marked the conquest. 
The very amusements displayed equal barbarity. Song-singing, 
card-playing, and dancing were regarded as among the innocent 
things, but Sabbath-breaking was awfully prevalent, especially 
on pattern (patron) days (alluding to days devoted to the 
patron saint of some well — such as Saint John's Well," &c., 
no doubt in reference to Bethesda of old) : on those days 
drinking, riot, and every evil work abounded ; but the wakes 
(that is, 2mkmg the dead) were the most profane, ludicrous. 



6 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



and obscene. At one time a prayer for the repose of the 
dead; at another time a keen (Irish|^cry for the dead), some- 
times rising to a wail by the mourning women, perhaps half 
drunk ; and then the smoking, drinking, and jokes by the aged, 
while the young were allowed to revel in all manner of folly.' 
It was the misfortune of young Graham to- be surrounded by 
all these associations in his youth, for they were equally preva- 
lent both among Protestants and Roman Catholics. The lad 
was sent to school when young, but remained only long enough 
to read, to write, and to make up some accounts. This was 
the maxinmm of common-rate education among the middle 
classes in those days, and happy was the youth who attained 
even to this standard. He left school at fourteen, and 
became the fond companion of his father on the farm, and 
accompanied him to fairs and markets, ' to take the old man 
safely home.' After his return from school — which he was 
then too glad to leave, but which he greatly regretted in after 
life — we may describe him in the following lines of Willis^ an 
American poet — 

' A noble boy, 
A brave, true-hearted, careless one, 
Full of unchecked, unbounded joy, 
Of dread of books, and love of fun, 
And with a clear and ready smile, 
Unshadowed by a thought of guile.' 

This youth^ now called by the over-fondness of both parents^ 
^ their dear Charles,' soon began to learn the evil habits 
and corrupt practices of those around him. His father's 
society was greatly courted, as he was both generous and hos- 
pitable himself. The son was thus early inducted into all the 
convivialities of foolish company, and he soon became a learned 
disciple in the school of Bacchus, where all the arts of hell are 
freely taught. Self-will and obstinacy, as well as quarrelhng 
and gambling habits, were all acquired, until the mastery was 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



7 



fully obtained ; and, although young in years, the sentiment of 
Wordsworth was truly verified — • 

* The child is father to the man. ' 
The parents were now unable to restrain the habits of the 
young Tyro. Their own indulgence tended to strengthen 
them. Still his father would sometimes reprove him, and fre- 
quently repeated portions of those Scriptures which he himself 
had learned in early Hfe from his good old Scotch grandmother. 
His ^dear Charles' would promise amendment, but as fre- 
quently — 

^Disappointment smiled at hope's career.' 

As to family and private devotions they were never named, 

unless by an occasional repetition of the following doggrel lines 

after Ipng down at night : — 

' There are four comers on my bed, 
There are four angels round me spread, 
Matthew, Mark, and Luke and John, 
Bless the bed that I lie on, 
And if I die before I wake, 
I pray to God my soul to take. ' 

This was the sum total of the devotional piety of those days, 
and many of the Protestants were as superstitious as the 
Romanists in invoking saints and angels. ^ Alas ! where 
there is no vision the people perish.' 

A trying circumstance now occurred which greatly alarmed 
this young desperado, namely, that of the death of his father. 
His sickness was protracted, but it appears from what Mr. Graham 
states afterwards, that the affliction was sanctified, and he had 
a pleasing hope that ^ mercy to his rescue flew;' for in record- 
ing the event his words are, ^ I believe he died in the favour of 
God, and with His praises on his lips.' The old man was led 
by the Spirit of God, through the light of the truth received in 
early life, to see his lost condition. He earnestly sought and 
happily found redemption in the blood of the Lamb. Oh, theinfi- 



8 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



nite advantages of a religions trainings and how true the saying, 
' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old 
he will not depart from it.' It was so in this case, although he 
did depart from it ' for many long rebellious years.' The solemn 
event of his death affected young Charles very deeply, at least 
for a time ; and he consoled himself^ that as he obtained his 
father's blessing before he died, all was well, and he resolved to 
cease from evil ; but his promises were ' like the morning cloud 
and the early dew,' and were as easily and speedily broken as 
Samson's withes j for scarcely had his father been more than a 
few days interred, when the historical phrase might be adopted, 
that ^ Old Adam was too strong for young Melancthon.' Off 
he plunged again into greater excesses than before. Restraint 
was out of the question, and he became ^ desperately wicked.' 
The spirit of Scotch clanship and hero worship came upon him 
with all the power of a ruling passion. He became a noted 
pugilist, and his motto was ' to conquer or to die.' His com- 
panionship was entirely in character, and its members might be 
truly called what he himself afterwards designated the noto- 
riously ungodly, ' Sons of Belial.' What were called ' the Sligo 
Bucks,' a class of the most reckless and vicious characters of 
the age, were in full swing. Indeed, it seemed to be then the 
rage of the day for each town to turn out ^bands' vieing with 
each other in deeper crimson; but those in Sligo and 'the 
Mallow Rakes' excelled. Nor was young Graham and his 
companions a whit behind. He drank in iniquity as water, and, 
to use his own expression, ' I might truly be called legion^ for 
no chains could bind me.' Reminding one of John Newton's 
description of himself — 

^ Legion was my name "by nature, 
Satan raged within my breast ; 
Ne'er was sinner ever greater. 

Ne'er was mortal more oppressed.' 

Yet the Spirit of God did not cease to strive with him, for 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



9 



sometimes the alarming portions of Scriptnre which his father 
taught him would now and again flash across his wa}rvvard 
mind; but, like unwelcome and forbidden intruders, they 
were resisted again. Yet, unwearied, Love Divine pursued 
him, as the following circumstance will fully prove— an event 
which considerably contributed in putting a drag on the wheel 
of his corrupt nature, if not the actual turning--^o\Ti\, in his 
history. A respectable Protestant woman had died in the 
neighbourhood, whose brother was a local preacher in the 
town of Sligo. It appears he was formerly one of young 
Graham's companions in folly and in crime. Graham attended 
the wake with a number of his associates, and, according to 
wonted custom, they began, at a certain time of the evening, 
to indulge themselves in foolish sports. The local preacher 
interposed, and mildly rebuked them. They insisted on their 
accustomed rights, but he was firm to his purpose. They 
bitterly retorted, and said — * Perhaps we will get to heaven as 
soon as yourself.' ^That may be,' said he; 'but unless you 
live the life of the righteous, your hope of heaven will be as 
vain as that of Balaam, who said, " Let me die the death of 
the righteous, and let my last end be like unto his;" but, alas! 
how did he live V This was a nail fastened in a sure place. 
Young Graham went home chafed in his mind, but resolved to 
search the Bible all through, until he found out what was recorded 
of Balaam. The result was, he found that Balaam Moved 
the wages of unrighteousness,' and was afterwards found dead 
among the slain in battle. (Numbers xxxi. 8.) ' From this 
moment,' says he, Mhe scales began to fall from my eyes.' 
But he was not thoroughly awakened yet to a deep sense of 
his guilt and danger, although he began *to feel after God.' 
The husband of the deceased woman just referred to became 
anxious about the salvation of young Graham. On the fol- 
lowing Sabbath he called and prayed in his mother's house, 
after which Graham asked him from what book did he learn 



lO THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

that fine prayer ? The friend responded, and said that he had 
not learned it from any book, and that prayer was the gift of 
God. This greatly stunned young Graham, for he never heard 
an extemporaneous prayer before. This friend had himself 
lately joined the Methodists, and was truly converted. He 
then invited young Graham to accompany him to hear a 
Methodist preacher in Sligo. He did so, but it was a leader 
who conducted the service; most likely Andrew Mabin, of 
whom we will have to speak hereafter. The first impression 
on this new hearer's mind was that of woiider at the plain 
dress of the congregation, so different from any he had ever 
witnessed ; the Methodists of those days — especially the female 
portion of them — carried out St. Peter's injunction, — ^ Whose 
adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the 
hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.' 
(i Pet. iii. 3.) On which Mr. Wesley remarks, ^ Three things 
are here forbidden — ist, plaiting (or curling) the hair; 2ndly, 
wearing gold (by way of ornament) ; 3rdly, putting on costly 
(or gay) apparel These, therefore,' says he, ^ ought never to 
be allowed, much less defended by Christians.' How far this 
contrasts with the present race of Methodists and other pro- 
fessing Christians, let conscience and usage declare. Neatness 
and cleanliness are always to be admired, and there was no 
person a greater advocate for these virtues than the venerable 
man named. His motto was, with good old Herbert, 
* Let thy mind's sweetness have its operation 
Upon thy person, clothes, and habitation. ' 

And I would merely add, that these three things will generally 
guide in regard to dress — namely, age^ circumstaftces, and position. 
At all events young Graham's mind was deeply impressed with 
the modest apparel of the first Methodist congregation he had 
ever witnessed. Small matters of this character may be over- 
ruled so as to contribute to great results. It is said of the 
celebrated William Bramwell, that on one occasion, when 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



II 



travelling in a stage-coach with a strange gentleman, the 
conversation turned on prayer, when Bramwell said to his 
companion, ' I beHeve, Sir, you never pray.' The other asked 
him ' why he said so?' ^ Because,' said Mr. B., ^ I see no sign 
of it on your knees.' The gentleman had the curiosity to 
look at the knees of Mr. Bramwell's trousers, and saw them 
threadbare with frequent and long kneeling. It is stated that 
this simple circumstance led to the gentleman's conversion. 
The friend already referred to invited Graham again to accom- 
pany him on the follomng Sabbath to Sligo. The Rev. 
Francis Wrigley preached from Matt. vii. 21 — ^Not every one 
that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom 
of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in 
heaven.' Under this sermon he was completely broken down. 
The interrogatory mode of application prevailed among the 
Methodist preachers of those days, and often with marvellous 
results, as was the case in this instance. ' Is there any person 
here,' said the preacher, * guilty of such and such crimes ? ' — 
particularizijtg a number of them. Graham's conscience smote 
him at once, or rather the Holy Spirit applied the word, and 
it would appear that he cried out audibly^ ' I am the man.' 
The follo^ving Scripture was literally fulfilled : — ' He was con- 
vinced of all, he was judged of all, and the secrets of his heart 
were made manifest,' &c. (i Cor. xiv. 24, 25.) He went home 
with the barbed arrow of conviction deeply infixed. He might 
surely say, in Doddridge's description of Colonel Gardiner — 

' My conscience felt and owned the guilt, 

And plunged me in despair ; 
I saw my sins His blood had spilt. 
And helped to nail Him there.' 

This awful but hopeful struggle began. ^The strong man 
armed kept his palace,' but not now ' in peace.' Still he refused 
to let the captive go ! An alarming dream, in which all his 
sins stood out before him in dread array, ^and which,' says 



12 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



he, in his record of this fearful scene, * caused me great horror 
of mind.' He awoke, no doubt, exclaiming, ' O wretched 
man that I am, who shall dehver me from the body of this 
death ? ' Truly wretched^ helpless, and distressed, he ceaselessly 
groaned — 

* The sinner's only plea, 
" God be merciful to me." ' 

He penned the following penitential confession, w^hich may 
be compared to Ezekiel's roll of lamentation, and mourning, 
and woe : — ^ I took my full swing of pleasure, and neither vows 
or good purposes could stand before the power of temptation. 
I regarded neither God, or man, or demon, or kindred, except 
my mother, who had often cause to weep over me. When I 
went abroad I seldom returned without a fight, and at different 
times my wickedness endangered my life.' The recollection 
of all this lay hke a millstone on his heart. Thus he continued 
for a full fortnight in all the agony of woe. At length the hour 
of deliverance arrived. He went to Sligo, and heard the 
sweet sound of Gospel grace again, very likely from the same 
minister under whom he was awakened. In the middle of the 
sermon, while the preacher was directing the convinced peni- 
tent to the Lamb of God, faith sprung up in his heart, 'the Sun 
of Righteousness arose with healing in his v/ings,' and joy and 
gladness filled his weary and heavy-laden spirit. He writes, 
' I believe on that occasion I received the justifying grace of 
God, for I felt my trouble dispersed like mist before the rising 
sun.' We may well adopt Cowper's language on the way of 
salvation by faith : — 

* O how "unlike the complex works of man, 
Heaven's easy, artless, unencumbered plan \ 
Legible only by the light they give, 
Stand the soul-quickening words, ''Believe and live. " ' 

This auspicious event took place on the 17th of March 
1770, and in the twentieth year of his age. He returned to 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



13 



his house like the publican ^justified,' to tell to his overjoyed 
mother what God had done for his soul. At once the spirit of 
grace and supplication was poured upon him, and immediately 
he commenced family prayer, and bid fair for worlds on high. 
One is constrained to wonder that a career so reckless and 
prodigal could be pursued so long with any kind of proper 
attention to his farm and to his mother's comforts ; but now 
she forgot all her pain, and toil, and care, and, better still, she 
very soon became herself the subject of penitential sorrow and 
heartfelt joy. He writes of her distress thus : — ' She watered 
her couch with her tears, and mingled her drink with her 
weeping but ere long she, too, found 'the pearl of great price,' 
and that to the no small joy of ' her dear boy.' This event took 
place while he was engaged one morning in family prayer. 
She never lost the conscious sense of the Divine favour until 
she finished her happy course. Both mother and son now 
went on their way rejoicing, and all around shared in their 
joy. But, alas, like many young converts, imagining his 
mountain so strong that he ' could never be moved,' and igno- 
rant of Satan's devices, soon, by unwatchfulness, he lost the 
light of God's reconciled countenance, and became the subject 
of very deep distress. However he fled at once to ' the horns 
of the altar.' He wrestled there for three days and nights, 
scarcely partaking of either food or sleep ; and if his agony 
was poignant before, it was sevenfold more so now. He 
thought he committed the unpardonable sin against the Holy 
Ghost, and, like David, he literally ' roared by reason of the 
disquietness of his heart' He might truly say, ' The pains of 
hell got hold upon me.' Like Peter, he Svept bitterly ;' but 
when his strength had well nigh failed, like another \vrestling 
Jacob, God appeared in his distress, and he exclaimed : — ■ 

* O what shall I do my Saviour to praise, 
So faithful and true, so plenteous in grace ; 
So strong to deliver, so good to redeem 
The weakest believer that hangs upon him ? ' 



% 



14 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



If his peace ^ flowed as a river' before, it flowed as a torrent 
now. It was ^joy unspeakable, and full of glory.' Besides he 
was doubly watchful and circumspect. From this time, I 
believe, he never for an hour lost the sweet sense of sins 
forgiven during his after-life of fifty-four years. The painful 
ordeal through which he now passed he recorded most faith- 
fully, and he hoped it would be a warning to young beginners 
to hearken to our Lord's admonition, ^ Watch and pray, lest 
ye enter into temptation.' If the enemy can succeed in getting 
the young believer to depend on self, and thus push him off 
his guard, he will soon tempt him to question the genuineness 
of his conversion. We would strongly recommend in such cases 
an immediate application to some experienced Christian friend 
for prayerful sympathy and counsel. The writer was well nigh 
casting away his confidence in the beginning of his own Chris- 
tian course for want of such advice. 

* Happier we each other keep, 

We each other's burden bear j 
Never need our footsteps slip, 
Upheld by mutual prayer.' 



11. 



* The desire of tlie conversion of souls is notliing else but a spiritualized 
humanity.' — ^JOHX HoVv'E. 

**Bom of the Spirit now, di\dnely led, 
He hastes in his dear Saviour's steps to tread ; 
Alanns the souls that sleep secure in sin, 
'Till urged the one great business they begin. 
Instructs them how to escape the judgment nigh, 
*' Ye must be bom again, or dead for ever die;" 
And cried, vdih deep, unfeign'd humility, 
" Send, Lord, by whom Thou vnli, but send not me." 
He now begins, from every weight set free. 
To make full trial of his ministr}* ; 
Breaks forth from every side, and runs and flies, 
Like kindling flames that from the stubble rise } 
Ranges through all the city, lanes, and streets. 
And seizes every prodigal he meets ; 
Where'er the ministerial Spirit leads. 
From house to house the heavenly fire he spreads. ' 

C. ^YESLEY ON Whitfield, 



CHAPTER II. 



BECOMES A LOCAL PREACHER— CONFLICT AND VICTORY. 

After his restoration, begins to labour mTH redoubled energy. 
—Increases in influence and esteem. — -Becomes a local 

PREACHER.— A mysterious REVELATION. — -GOES TO TREACH FOR 
the first time from A TEXT OF SCRIPTURE.— Is ENCOURAGED 
GREATLY. — HeAVY TRIALS OCCUR. — DIVISIONS IN THE SlIGO 

Society.— -Entertains VIEWS on the * limited atonement.' — 
Renounces them. — Has fever. — Meets Mr. Thomas, by whom 
He is instructed and encouragei>.— Mr. Wesley's visit to 
Sligo.— Wesley not discouraged, although forgotten by 

SOME OF His FORMER FRIENDS— Mr. GrAHAM MADE VERY USEFUL. 

— Richard Baxter's view of the ministry.— Persecution. — 
Interviews with priests.— Smart reply. — Revival round the 
Sligo Circuit. — Struck by a Romanist who was buried that 
DAY week. — Evil reports. — Envy. — Young's description.— 
Ovid's also, with Dryden's translation, — Description of 
Antichrist. — 1771. 

ND when thou art converted (restored), strengthen 
thy brethren/ said our Lord to Peter; so it was now 
with this young restored disciple of Jesus. Being 
^ strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might,' he began 
to speak boldly and indiscriminately to every one whom he 
met, about ^ Christ and Him crucified' He also began to hold 
prayer meetings here and there. New scenes of usefulness 
presented themselves to him day by day. He very soon 
became the object of attraction and esteem. Although he 




THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



^7 



had not the slightest idea at the time, of a wider circle of 
labour than his own immediate neighbourhood afforded. His 
highest ambition seemed to be that of a local preacher — 
a lay order among the Wesleyans — but even this he regarded 
in a very responsible point of view. The following cifcum- 
stance gave him both light and encouragement as to the 
Divine will in this matter, as well as proved the truth of the fol- 
lowing Scripture — * Unto the upright there ariseth light in 
darkness.' 

One day, while pondering in one of his fields on the respon- 
sibility of this office, and how he might best promote the Divine 
glory, and withal feeling his own utter insufficiency, just then 
he felt a strange sensation coming over him, and in a moment, 
as if wrapt up in vision, he thought he saw a person approach 
him, who threw his mantle over him, and then immediately 
vanished. At once he thought of Elijah casting his mantle on 
Elisha, (See i Kings xix. 19.) This greatly strengthened him, 
and confirmed him in a thorough conviction that God would 
open some door of usefulness before him, which presently 
presented itself thus : — A local preacher, who was unable to 
attend his appointment, sent to request Mr. Graham to do so 
for him. He was rather nonplussed for a moment, as he had 
not hitherto preached from a regular text ; but while beginning 
to hesitate, and making it a subject of prayer, the following 
passage came powerfully to his mind — ' Woe is me if I preach 
not the gospel ; for a dispensation of the gospel is committed 
unto me.' This was enough : he saddled his horse, and off he 
went, assured that God would not send him on this ^ warfare at 
his own charge.' His own words •are, ^ My heart was filled 
with holy fire, which was the anointing of the Holy Ghost. ^ 
Both himself and the people were greatly blessed that night. 
He became now what might be called, ' a local evangelist,' but 
still attending to his agricultural pursuits. Just at this time some 
heavy trials awaited him. A division took place among the 

B 



l8 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 

Methodists m Sligo. The greater part united with a Mr. Mabin, 
a merchant of influence, and the chief man in the society. He 
separated from Mr. Wesley, and sent for a Calvinistic minister to 
Scotland, who took possession of the little chapel. The 
Methodists had to remove to another place. Mr. Mabin sent 
for Mr. Graham, and held out the hope of his being immediately 
called to the work of the ministry. Being very unsuspicious, 
and glowing with a holy passion for the salvation of souls, he 
yielded to the thought for the time being ; obtained the books 
which bore on the ' five points ' of Calvinism ; read them with 
avidity; and, for a short time, embraced the doctrine of *a 
limited atonement' He earnestly prayed for Divine direction, 
and was soon afterwards led to change his purpose, and remain 
with the people of his early choice. A severe fever, which 
perilled his life, together w^ith a conversation, or rather a con- 
troversy, which he had with the Rev. Mr. Thomas, a Wesleyan 
preacher, greatly contributed to strengthen his resolution. The 
subject of discussion was, the covenant which God made with 
Eli, and the rejection of himself and family, which went to 
show, that though the covenant seemed to be absolute, yet there 
must have been an implied condition, inasmuch as the covenant 
was changed. (See i Sam. ii. 30.) 'Wherefore the Lord God 
of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of 
thy father, should walk before me for ever : but now the Lord 
saith, Be it far from me ; for those that honour me I will honour, 
and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.' Graham 
writes, ' I was down at a blow' — alluding to one of his pugilistic 
expressions. He thought to recover, but, said he, ' I was com- 
pletely foiled.' From thi^ time he resumed his full sphere of 
usefulness in the Methodist society. All through this ordeal 
he retained the life of God in his soul, but he was greatly 
grieved at the reception Mr. Wesley met with from his old 
friends on his next visit. Mr. Wesley records it thus in his 
Journal : — ' Mr. K and family would scarcely look at me, 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 1 9 

although the last time they would almost pull out their eyes for 

me, but now — 

* *'They wondered at the strange man's face 
As one they ne'er had known." ' 

And again, * My old friend, Andrew Mabin, did not own me, 
'however, a few did, and we seem by all this late bustle and 
confusion to have lost nothing.' Among those few^ was Mr. 
Graham, who was then labouring away with double energy. His 
own words are, was determined to spend and to be spent" in 
the. cause of my Master, and I thought I should have no 
hindrance, for His word was as fire in my bones.' In fact, the 
burden of souls lay so deeply on his spirit as to swallow up 
every other desire. His feeling was, ' Give me souls or else I 
die.' Richard Baxter writes in his Reformed Pastor^ ' I never 
knew a minister much owned of God unless he had a desire 
bordering on unhappiness Uo see the fruit of his labours.' 
It was truly so with Mr. Graham. ' The zeal of the Lord had 
eaten him up.' He was greatly strengthened by Mr. Thomas' 
experience — ^the preacher to whom allusion has just been made. 
He gave the following statement to Mr Graham : — ' I have 
known God since I was nine years of age, and if I knew a 
better way than what I have followed among the Methodists I 
would embrace it.' 

The deplorable state of the community around, deeply 
affected Mr. G, especially the Roman Catholic portion of it. 
Those with whom he could religiously associate were very few 
and far between, unless those who feared God in Sligo, but the 
divisions and controversies there, were withering. He warned 
the Romanists wholesale wherever he met them, ' to flee from 
the wrath to come.' This procedure soon brought upon him 
the ire of the priests, who began to proclaim him from the 
altars, and told the people to avoid him as a ' demon ' a false 
prophet,' and ^a madman.' The old game was up at once. 
One of these reverend gentlemen, apparently kinder than the 



20 



THE LIFE OF THE REV, C GRAHAM, 



rest, ' pitied the young man/ and resolved to try his hand in 
recovering this outcast from the sacred fold of Rome. 
Accordingly he sent for young Graham, but the interview 
was of a very short duration. 

The priest said, ' I sent for you, Mr. Graham, because I pity 
you to be spending your time in striving to pervert my people ; 
and you know that ours is the true Church, and out of the 
Church of Rome there is no salvation.'* See Appendix D. 

*I know no such thing,' said Mr. Graham; 'for if you can 
show me one in your whole parish who is not on the way to 
hell I will join your Church at once.* 

' On the way to hell?' said the priest. 

' Yes,' said Mr. Graham. 

* Do you mean that my father is on the way to hell ? How 
can you make use of such an expression 

'I ask you, Sir,' said Mr. Graham, ' is sin the way to hell ?' 
The priest said, 'yes.' 

' Well, then,' said Graham, ' I don't know one in your whole 
parish who is not committing sin from day to day.' This was 
quite enough. 

The priest pronounced him ' incorrigible,' and regretted that 
he had anything to do with such a rough customer ! Before 
they parted, Graham administered the folloA\dng sharp reproof — 
' I fear. Sir, God never sent you to preach the Gospel, for if He 



* ' What constitutes a Church ? 

Not lofty spires, that pierce the distant clouds. 

Nor well-built towers, nor glittering minarets. 

Nor pealing organ, nor the hymning choir, 

Nor spotless alb, nor sacerdotal stole, 

Nor fragrant incense, e'en from golden censers ; 

But God^s pure Word, dispensed by holy men. 

And holy sacraments, with Gospel rites, 

And fervent prayer, that Heaven dehghts to hear, 

And Christ's own presence, with His faithful saints — 

These constitute a Church.' — Lytham, 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



21 



did you would profit the people.' They then parted, and the 
priest took good care never to send for him again. 

They afterwards met at a funeral, and the priest accosted 
him, with an infidel sneer, by saying, * Your Bible, Sir, might 
as well be Roderick Random as anything else.' 

* Sir,' said Graham, ' you appear more like a buffoon than a 
teacher of religion,' 

The record does not say whether they ever met again. How- 
ever, he set his face as flint against this dire system, and verified 
the Scripture declaration — ^The righteous areas bold as a lion.' 
As might be expected, a great revival of religion soon spread 
like fire round the land, and Graham * waxed stronger and 
stronger.' Many were brought to a saving knowledge of the 
truth. Most likely this was the first extensive revival^ as known 
by that name, with which the Sligo circuit was visited I Still 
his labours were circumscribed, for he had his farm to mind, 
and his mother's needs to supply. Like Paul, he wrought Svith 
his own hands,' and was ' chargeable to no man.' He also 
applied himself to reading, and soon became ^ a workman that 
needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' 
We might apply those expressive words in a remarkable sense 
to him. 

* Stablishes the strong, restores the weak, 
Reclaims the wandering mind, binds the broken heart, 
And trains by every rule 
Of holy discipline to glorious war, 
The sacramental host of God's elect.' 

Nor was he long allowed to pass on unmolested. He had 
soon ^to endure the contradiction of sinners against himself,' 
like his Divine Master ! It was commonly reported that the 
Methodists acted on the ;^^;^-resistant principle, and that they 
never retaliated ! This led to the report being tested in Mr. 
Graham's case. As he was going one Sabbath morning to meet 
a class at some distance, a stalwart Romanist, who was likely 



22 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



instigated by altar denunciations, came up to him and struck 
him on the side of the head, or rather on his cheek Graham, 
who was well known formerly to fear the face of no man, but 
now blending the harmlessness of the dove with the meekness' 
of wisdom, dcndi literally acting on the Scripture injunction in 
Matthew v. 39, as laid down by our blessed Lord, 'turned the 
other side,' and said, 'Now strike me on this side,' which he 
did. Mr. Graham merely replied, ' It will be a mercy if you 
are able to lift that arm on this day week.' On that day week, 
to the consternation of the whole country, the man was buried. 
From that forward preachers and class leaders were allowed to 
pass that way unmolested ! But when violence did not succeed, 
busy slander assumed its venomous sting, and tried its unhal- 
lowed game. Going to meet his class [on another occa- 
sion, he found a large kitchen crook on the road, and took it 
up to leave it at the next house for the owner, whose ' flitting ' 
had passed by some short time before. He was met by a man 
who immediately raised the report, ' Graham stole the crook;' 
and this passed as a by-word, or a nick-name, on the IMetho- 
dists for years, until it was a little altered into ' Ouseley stole the 
crook.' The writer remembers the slander. But 'through 
evil report and through good report' Graham pursued the even 
tenor of his way, 'rejoicing that he was counted worthy to 
suffer anything for Christ' Dr. Young, in his Ce7itaiir not 
Fabulous^ says, 'Envy has under its banner hatred, calumny, 
treachery, with the meagreness of famine, the venom of pesti- 
lence, and the rage of war. But Dr}^den's translation of 0\dd's 
description of Eiivy is more terse — 

' She never smiles but when the "^Tetched weep, 
Nor lulls her malice with a moment's sleep ; 
Restless in spite, while watchful to destroy. 
She pines and sickens at another's joy ; 
Foe to herself, distressing and distrest, 

She bears her own tormentor in her breast. ' ■ 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



One would almost imagine that Ovid had a presentiment of the 
envy which was to characterize professing systems of the Chris- 
tian religion in after times. We should rather say antichristian, 
for their motto has been ^to bite and devour one another/ ^ an 
inscription/ says Richard Watson, ' only worthy to be ^mtten 
on the gates of hell.' May it soon give way to one truly worthy 
of the sacred name and cause of Him after whom we are called — - 
namely, ^See how these Christians love one another.' 



' Ye different sects, who aU declare, 
Lo ! Christ is here," lo, Christ is there 
Your stronger proofs divinely give, 
And show me where the Christians live. ' 




III. 



* He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless 
come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.' — Ps. cxxvi. 6. 

* If you have not gold and silver 

Ever ready at command ; 
If you cannot, toward the needy. 

Reach an ever open hand ; 
You can visit the afflicted, 

O'er the ening you can weep ; 
You can be a true disciple, 

Sitting at the Saviour's feet. 

If you cannot, in the harvest. 

Gamer up the richest sheaves. 
Many a grain, both ripe and golden. 

Which the careless reaper leaves, 
You can glean among the briers 

Growing rank against the wall. 
For it may be that the shadow 

Hides the heaviest wheat of all. 

Do not then stand idly waiting 

For some greater work to do ; 
Fortune is a lazy goddess. 

She will never come to you. 
Go and toil in any vineyard. 

Do not fear to do or dare— 
If you want a field of labour. 

You can find it anywhere.' 



CHAPTER HI. 



FILIAL ATTACHMENT— MARRIAGE, AND ENTIRE CONSECRATION 

TO GOD. 

Very acceptable as a local preacher. — Watches over his mo- 
ther's AGE with great ANXIETY. — Can'T THINK OF LEAVING 

HER. — Some impression about future and more extensive 
usefulness. — Enters the marriage state. — Makes a happy 
CHOICE. — His wife's early conversion and usefulness. — The 

BLISS OF KINDRED SPIRITS. — ShE IS A TRUE HELPMATE. — THOUGHTS 
ABOUT EMIGRATING. — HiS MOTHER'S HAPPY DEATH. — RENEWED 
THOUGHTS OF EMIGRATING, PREVENTED. — SEEKS AND OBTAINS THE 
BLESSING OF 'PERFECT LOVE.' — RECOMMENDS IT TO OTHERS. — A 
GREAT REVIVAL FOLLOWS. — Mr. WeSLEY's VISIT TO SlIGO. — AWFUL 
TRAGEDY IN SlIGO BEFORE THE REVOLUTION. — FeARFUL MASSACRE 

OF Protestants in 1641. — Luther obtained holiness of heart, 

SO DOES D'AUBIGNE AND OTHERS. — Mr. FlETCHER's LANGUAGE 

APPROPRIATE.— Perfect resignation to the will of God. — 1772. 

j] AVING now spent some time in the capacity of a local 
preacher, and with great acceptance, yet having his 
maternal parent to provide for, who was now 

*In age and feebleness extreme/ 

he could not think of taking a wider sphere which would sepa- 
rate them, especially as his father gave her in charge to him. 
But still he had some inward impression that God might at a 
future day require him to give himself wholly to the work of 
the ministry. In the mean time he took counsel, and asked in 
prayer for Divine direction — for in everything 'he made his 




26 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



requests known to God ' — relative to changing his condition in 
life. In this step he resolved to abide by the Scripture standard — 
*Be not unequally yoked with unbehevers' (2 Cor. vi. 14), well 
knowing that *A prudent wife is of the Lord' (Pro v. xix. 14). 
He states, 'If God ever heard prayer, He did it in this matter.' 
He was directed to the house of a respectable and pious family 
below Sligo of the name of Phillips, and there found the wife 
of his choice in Miss Phillips, of whom he speaks thus : — ' She 
is truly a helpmeet for me, and proves a blessing to my soul. 
Thank God for giving me one as my partner who is an heir of 
glory.' The account he gives of her early conversion is nearly 
as remarkable as his own. She was aroused from her sinful 
slumber by an awful dream of the solemn transactions of the 
final judgment. She earnestly sought, and speedily found re- 
demption in Christ, and became a 'burning and shining light.' 
She now entered into all the views of her husband relative to 
the salvation of souls, and encouraged him forward in his 
happy toil : — 

* True bliss, if one can reacli it, is composed 
Of hearts in union, mutually disclosed, 
When one in spirit, interest, and design. 
Each girds the other to the race divine.' 

His marriage seems only to have intensified his desire for more 
publicly and more frequently proclaiming the glorious sound of 
Gospel grace. Whenever he was called away to any distance 
to fill preaching appointments, she well supplied his lack of 
home duties, as far as directions relative to the farm and busi- 
ness affairs were concerned. Indeed, the love of souls became 
so much his ruling passion, that he entertained the idea of 
emigrating, especially as his mother had passed away about this 
time. He says of her death — 'She died triumphantly happy, 
and blessing the day she was ever born.' Never did greater 
love exist between mother and son ; for while he rejoiced in 
her complete victory over death, yet he mourned for her ' as 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



27 



one mourneth for his mother.' We may truly say of her ajj 
Charles Wesley wrote on his mother — 

'In sure and certain hope to rise, ^ 
And claim her mansion in the skies ; 
A Christian here the flesh laid down, 
The cross exchanging for a crown. 
Meet for the fellowship above, 
vShe heard the call, * ' Arise, my love. " 
*'I come," her dying looks replied, 
And lamb-like as her Lord she died. ' 

In speaking of his intention to emigrate, his feelings are thus 
expressed — cared not at this time where my sun went down, 
so that God would make me the instrument of plucking sinners 
as brands from the eternal burning.' Both husband and wife 
sent up their cry to God to be guided aright in this matter. 
The result was, a richer baptism of the Spirit, and a willingness 
to wait for clearer light. He knew his being married pre- 
sented an obstacle to his being called out into the regular work 
of the Methodist ministry in this country, as there was a strict 
rule then, as now, in the Conference, on that subject. The 
Lord, however, answered in another way, in giving him to see the 
absolute necessity of entire satisfaction, or what he generally 
called ^ a clean heart' And as there was much written and 
spoken on this subject at this time, he resolved not to rest short 
of the blessing, that he might be the better able to recommend 
it to others. His continual cry, as well as that of his good 
wife, was, ' Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right 
spirit within me,' 'Just as I arose one morning,' he writes,^ — 
' The Lord visited me in a most remarkable manner, and forcibly 
impressed these words of the 103rd Psalm on my mind, 
" Bless the Lord, O my soul : and all that is within me, bless 
his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all 
his benefits : who forgiveth all thine iniquities ; who healeth all 
thy diseases." In that solemn moment,' says he, 'I found 
* See page 282. 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



such a change pass on my soul as I had been unacquainted 
with before — a change which filled me with joy unspeakable 
and very full of glory" — I could from that hour say, that " I 
walked all the day long in the light of His countenance :" — 

* " Not a cloud to arise or darken the skies, 

Or hide for a moment the Lord from my eyes." ' 

In the above passage the two blessings are included — first, 
'who forgiveth all thine iniquities;* and, secondly, ^who 
healeth all iky diseases,^ It was this last blessing he sought, 
and now found — ^the entire sanctification of his natiure. ' My 
cup was full,' he writes, *and running over; and so unspeak- 
able was my joy, that it lifted me above all earthly things. 
Wherever I came, the people had little rest, for where I slept 
I was either preaching, praying, or praising God aloud, both 
night and day.' He was now like a flame of fire, and all the 
Sligo circuit seemed to partake of the influence, and vast num- 
bers were led to seek, and happily found the same heavenly 
treasure. To this wonderful work, no doubt, Mr. Wesley refers 
in one of his next visits to Sligo : — ' Upon inquiry, I found 
there had been for some time a real revival of religion here. 
The congregations have considerably increased, and the society 
is nearly doubled.' — Vol. iv., page 117. On the same page of 
this Journal Mr. Wesley writes : — ' I now received an intel- 
ligent account of the famous massacre at Sligo, a little before 
the revolution. One Mr. Morris, a Popish gentleman, invited 
all the chief Protestants to an entertainment, at the close of 
which, on a signal being given, the men he had prepared fell 
upon the Protestants, and left not one of them alive.* In 
another part of his Journal he records : — * I have just read a 
history of the Irish rebellion of 1641, during which 200,000 
Protestants were butchered in cold blood, and for which God 
has still a controversy to settle with this country.* 

Mr. Graham was now made more extensively useful than 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY, 



29 



ever, and he was very anxious to know the full will of God 
concerning him. It would appear as if he was not sufficiently- 
experienced to enter on the great work of evangelizing the 
land. His own unfitness — at least in his own estimation — 
made him tremble. The Lord appHed this passage, '1 will 
send by whom I will send.' But ^ holiness oi heart' was his 
constant theme. D'Aubigne states that Luther sought this, 
and found it, but called it under another name, namely, *A 
second conversion.' D'Aubigne also tells us that he sought 
it himself, and found it, 300 years after Luther. Baxter, 
Fletcher, Wesley, William Carvosso, and Thomas Walsh pro- 
fessed to have obtained it as a distinct blessing. So did Lady 
Maxwell, Mrs. Fletcher, and Mrs. Rogers obtain it. Boardman, 
an American writer, calls it, 'The higher life.' Dr. Peck calls 
it, ' The central doctrine of Christianity \ ' and Mr. Wesley calls 
it, 'Christian perfection.' Mrs. Palmer, of America, says, 'It is 
laying the will on the altar.' Mr. Fletcher calls it 'Perfect 
purity' — to be obtained by faith in the virtue of the atone- 
ment. His language is very strong, but appropriate — 

* My heartstrings groan with deep complaint. 
My flesh lies panting, Lord, for Thee ; 
And every limb and every joint 
Stretches for perfect purity.' 

These lines express Mr. Graham's feelings when seeking the 
above blessing. He never did anything by the half-measure 
system. What he saw to be right and his duty, he did it with 
all his heart. Every faculty of his soul was now filled with 
pure and entire love to God and man. His constant feeling 
and language in everything was — 

* Father, Thy only will be done.'. 



IV. 



TRUST IN CHRIST. 

' • Let me never, never doubt Him 

Who has hitherto been true ; 
For I cannot live without Him, 

And to trust Him is His due. 
There are those who long have tried Him, 

Poor, weak creatures of the dust, 
And have learned that all beside Him 

Are unworthy of their trust. 
So, in every doubt and sorrow. 

Let my heart exultant say, 
I will tmst Him \^ith to-morrow, 

I will tmst Him \-\dth to-day; 
I will trust for food and raiment, 

I will trust His gracious care. 
And attend a humble claimant 

At the bounteous gate of prayer. ' 



CHAPTER IV. 



PREPARATION FOR THE EVANGELIZATION OF KERRY. 



Labours for many years in the capacity of a local preacher. — 
Dr. Coke visits Sligo. — Mr. Graham's interview with him.— 
Refuses to go on the Irish mission. — The Doctor's disap- 
pointment. — Makes out a sermon in the Irish Language. — 
Made a blessing. — Other attempts prosecuted. — Remarkable 
DREAM. — Mr. Black drowned. — Bartholomew Campbell's 
VISIT TO Sligo. — Converted in Lough Derg. — Conference 
RECORD of Mr. Black.— Campbell and Graham's popularity 
on the Sligo circuit. — Also on the Longford circuit.— 
Campbell returns home. — Graham preaches before the 
district. — Recommended to Conference. — Accepted.' — Ap- 
pointed TO THE County Kerry. — Prepares for the journey. 
— Much cast down. — 1776- 1790. 



N the happy state described in the foregoing chapter, 
Mr. Graham continued to labour on, ' in season and 
out of season,' for many years. At length Doctor 
Coke visited SHgo, and was on the look-out for agents who 
understood the Irish language, in order to send the Gospel to 
the Irish-speaking population. He sent for Mr. Graham, and 
when the Doctor asked him if he could preach in the Irish 
language, he said, 'he could not, as he never attempted it, 
although he could speak it well.' The Doctor wondered very 
much; but Mr. Graham meekly said, 'Doctor, do you think 
that every Christian man who speaks English can preach in 
EngHsh?' The Doctor saw the force of the observation, and 



32 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

was Struck with the candour and honesty of the man and of the 
Christian. Both were disappointed; but the right time was 
not yet come. On his return home after this interview wdth 
the Doctor, he thought he would attempt to write out a sermon 
in the Irish language, which he did; and after reading it to 
some of his friends, they encouraged him to preach it, and 
they would gather Romanists and Protestants to hear it He 
consented, and a vast concourse assembled, who were delighted 
with this, his first effort in their own beloved language. He 
writes thus in reference to it : — * Truly, God was present, and 
made it a blessing; it was a softening, melting time. The 
Romanists declared they never heard anything like it, and en- 
couraged me to come and preach for them again. Accordingly, 
I appointed the day, and came home much refreshed and 
encouraged, believing that God had yet something for me to 
do in this country.' He made a third attempt, but the priest 
took the alarm, and proclaimed that he was ' a wolf in sheep's 
clothing,' and forbade any of his flock to go near him. But 
the Lord opened another door at some distance, where all ap- 
peared hopeful for a time, and many heard the Word of hfe 
in their own loved tongue. Even here a new persecution 
arose, for the Episcopalian ministers began, as well as the 
priests, to oppose this 'new sect;' but there was no discharge 
from this war. Still ' Woe is me if I preach not the gospel ' 
sounded in his ears. All this time the Lord was preparing him 
for harder conflict in another part of the country. He had a 
very remarkable dream, the purport of which was that he 
should go far to the south-west of the kingdom, and there pro- 
claim the message of life ; but that he must be full forty years 
of age before he should go. Like Moses, he was not yet quali- 
fied for the arduous enterprize. This must have occurred at 
least three years before he went to the County Kerry, as he was 
then only thirty-seven years. During this inter\^al some strange 
circumstances transpired. The Rev. John Black was appointed 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



33 



to the Sligo circuit in the year 1789. Shortly after he arrived, he 
called on Mr. Graham to say that he invited a good brother of 
the name of Bartholomew Campbell, or familiarly called Bartley 
Campbell, to come to the circuit and assist him ; that he was 
rather a little eccentric, as he was formerly a Roman Catholic, 
and was converted in Lough Derg, in the County Donegal, 
and went by the name of ^the Lough Derg preacher.' Mr. 
Graham merely said that * any eccentricity might not serve the 
good cause.' Mr. Black said he could not draw back. So the 
matter rested. But in a few days Mr. Black was no more ; he 
was drowned below Sligo, having gone beyond his depth in 
bathing. The record (in part) of the Minutes for 1790 is, in 
answer to the question, ^ Who has died this year?' Answer — 
^John Black, a young man of excellent spirit, clothed with 
humility, and high in grace. His talents promised very exten- 
sive usefulness. As he was one day bathing in the sea, he got 
beyond his depth, and was drowned, " How unsearchable are 
His judgments, and His ways past finding out" ' 

Campbell came to Sligo, according to arrangement, but how 
was he affected when he found Mr, Black dead, whom he was 
coming to assist I Mr, Graham took the stranger by the hand, 
and brought him through the circuit Very soon the report 
spread abroad that ^he was converted in "Lough Derg,'" 
which attracted multitudes to flock to hear him from all 
quarters, and especially Romanists, in great numbers. This 
was the very thing to serve Graham, who was just prepared to 
preach to them in the Irish language, little imagining that he 
was thereby preparing for the County Kerry, to which he was 
appointed at the following Conference. These two evangelists, 
who might well be styled ^Boanerges,' or sons of thunder, 
laboured away as flames of fire for nearly a yeai*, and the Lord 
wrought mightily with them by moral signs and wonders 
following. Great numbers of both Romanists and Protestants 
were truly converted to God Invitations reached them from 



34 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



all parts of the country, and from neighbouring circuits. They 
complied with a very pressing one from the Rev. Thos. Barber, 
of the Longford circuit, and laboured there also with very great 
success. After some time Campbell returned to his own 
neighbourhood, having filled the mission for which Providence 
sent him.^ Mr. Graham remained on the Longford circuit, at 
the earnest request of Mr. Barber, until the Conference, allow- 
ing wife and farm to do for themselves. Mrs. Graham wrote 
to him thus : — ' Dear Charles — Go and labour away for God, 
and I will abide by the stuff, and share the last penny with 
you to sustain you in all your expenses.' * This,' says he, 'was 
as fresh oil to the wheel, and I bounded as a hart.' On the 
Longford circuit he had full scope for all his talents, preaching 
daily, both in P'nglish and Irish, and with great acceptance 
and success. Mr. Barber gave him ' the right hand of fellow- 
ship,' and 'magnified the grace of God in him;' and in order 
to bring his case before the Conference, he had the preachers 
of the district to hear him, who unanimously recommended 
him, regarding his case as an extraordinary one. The Con- 
ference received him, notwithstanding his being married, and 
appointed him to the County Kerry. Dr. Coke was President 
that year (1790), and knowing Mr. Graham well, he rejoiced 
greatly in the appointment. He was then forty years of age, 
less by a month, but fully that by the time he reached Kerry, 
thus literally fulfilling his dream. It appears the claims of the 
County Kerry were again and again pressed on the attention 
of the Conference ; but they were postponed from year to year, 
for want of a suitable agent who understood the Irish lan- 
guage. Mr. Barber wrote to Mr. Graham to Longford about 
his appointment, on which the latter remarks : — ' It made my 
heart tremble, hearing there was neither circuit nor society 



* For a fuller account of Campbell's conversion and Lough Derg, see 
Appendix B. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



35 



there. All my faith was exercised, but I opened my mouth to 

the Lord, and I dare not draw back.' He repaired at once to 

his native place, near Sligo, to prepare for this long and perilous 

journey, which he did with all speed, reminding one of the 

conduct of Ezra, whom Mr. Graham and his good wife imitated, 

for ' they sought of the Lord a right way for themselves and 

their little ones, and he was entreated of us.' He entered on 

this enterprize with great anxiety, verifying the truth of the 

following lines : — 

* How willing is the man to go 
Whom God hath never sent ; 
How timorous, diffident, and slow, 
God's chosen instrument. ' 



V. 



LINES SUITABLE TO MR. GRAHAM*S APPOINTMENT TO THE COVSTY 
KERRY, IN 1790. 

* Soldier, go, but not to claim 

Mouldering spoils of earth-born treasure ; 
Not to built a vaunting name ; 

Not to dwell in tents of pleasure. 
Dream not that the way is smooth ; 

Hope not that the thorns are roses; 
Turn no artful eye of youth 

Where the sunny beam reposes. 
Thou hast sterner work to do ; 
Hosts to cut thy passage through; 
Close behind thee gulfs are burning. 
Forward; there is no returning,' 



CHAPTER V. 



ENTRANCE TO KERRY. 

He leaves the place of his nativity for Kerry, — Calls at and 
settles his family in limerick, — receives bad treatment in 
Castle Island. — Is received by a farmer. — Enters Tralee. — 
Takes the street. — Great opposition. — Tries it again. — 
Succeeds. — A persecutor injured. — Moral courage. — Leaves 
for Milltown. — Succeeds.— Revival ; many converted. — 
Great opposition from the Romish priesthood. — Judg- 
ments. — Great superstition. — Peter Cartwright of America. 
— An Irish preacher. — Retaliation. — Altar denunciations. 
— Remarkable conversion in Dingle. — Another singular 
case. — Domestic bliss. — Cowper. — Greatly respected by all 
classes. — Many added to the society. — Terminates his first 
year's labour. — Poetry. — 1 790. 

T may be truly said of Mr. Graham, relative to the 
journey on which he was about to enter, that, like 
, Abraham, ^he went out, not knowing whither he 
went;' and 'he journeyed southwards as well In leaving his 
native place he expresses his feelings thus :- — ' Trusting in the 
faithfulness of that God who had already led me through scenes 
of suffering, I took my leave of my native country with a small 
hope of ever returning to it again, hearing such reports of 
Kerry, and that the inhabitants thought very little of a man's 
life, especially that of a Methodist preacher.' He and his wife 
and two children arrived safely in Limerick, where they were 
received with all cordiality by the Methodist society, of whom he 
speaks in unbounded terms of gratitude. It appears he preached 




38 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



for them^ and that they appreciated both himself and his vrork. 
Ha\dng settled his Httle family there, he started, on the third 
day after his arrival in Limerick, for Kerry. He rode on horse- 
back, and had eighteen miles of a bad mountain road to pass 
over, besides eighteen miles more on the coach road. On the 
mountains over which he passed, it was said, there were deeds 
of bloodshed repeatedly committed. He, however, passed over 
without any interruption, and arrived in Castle Island in the 
evening, after a ride of some fortv' English miles, and thus 
reached ^\'ithin ten miles of Tralee, the county town of Kerry. 
He was no sooner settled in the humble hotel of the town, 
intending to stop for the night, than it was noised abroad that 
'a false prophet' had come to town. Immediately the priest 
gathered a mob, and came to the inn. and insisted on their 
putting out the stranger, which, of course, had to be done to 
please, his reverence,' and his brave band of ' defenders of the 
faith,' like the saints at Granard in 1867 1 It was then late in 
the evening, and the stranger knew not the countr}-. Alas ! 
where were even the common rights of humanity ? Or did they 
ever hear • I was a stranger and ye took me in?' or had they 
ever heard of the parable of the good Samaritan ? Out he had 
to go, and thus thrust into the street, he wandered off on the 
road to Tralee. Such are the tender mercies of Rome. Xo 
wonder if his worst fears of Kerry would haunt him ^nth the 
idea of their being fully realized. The only thing which can 
be said is, that the mob did not molest him. When about half- 
way to Tralee, he called at a farmer's house, and told his tale 
of disappointment. At once he was invited to come in. He 
found his host to be a staunch Protestant, who sent out and 
gathered a congregation for the missionar}-, for it was upon this 
condition that he promised to remain. The congregation 
soon assembled, and on that night possession was taken 
of Kerry. The word preached was ^dth power. The man of 
the house was deeply affected, and next morning, when Mr. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



39 



Graham was leaving for Tralee, Mr. Groves said, ^ Sir, you are 
welcome to stay until May-day in the morning, and make this 
your stopping-place while you are in this country.* So he did 
afterwards. This man became the subject of saving grace. 
The writer had the pleasure of seeing him fifty-three years 
after that time, in the year 1843, when he travelled that same 
circuit, then commenced by Mr. Graham. Such Gaiuses should 
not be forgotten. O, how wise and kind is God, who 

* From seeming evil still educeth good. ' 

Thus cheered, and escaping from what he called ^ the remnant 
of a shattered town,' he proceeded to Tralee, little knowing 
what awaited him there. He describes the town as ^ famous 
for folly and dissipation,' and the country as ^a barren land.' 
He strove to get a house for hire in v/hich to preach, but could 
not succeed. He asked a respectable, but, one whom he calls, 
' a%eak brother,' to assist him, but all to no purpose. There 
was no room even in the i7i7i for an entertainment on that 
fashion. So he had no alternative but to deliver his message 
— which he resolved to do somewhere — in the street. He tells 
us that he addressed 'an unruly group of gapers,' who turned 
out in a short time to sow something stronger than 'gape seed,' — 
that of a volley of 'Irish grape shot' or rather Irish bullets, which 
proved that he was about to receive what ' the hundred evan- 
gelical heroes' obtained a few years ago, who visited our native 
land — that of 'a warm reception.' I would say of that band 
' all honour,' even more so than that of Spartan or Balaclava 
notoriety. Of the brave ' six hundred ' we justly and proudly 
say, in the nervous lines of Tennyson — 

* Honour the brave and bold, 
Long shall the tale be told, 
Yea, when our babes are old, 
How they rode forward. ' 

But still this was more the result of ' stern military necessity,' 



40 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



while the other was Voluntary.' At the same time,.! am free 

to say that, perhaps, no body of men ever responded so cheer- 
fully as did that lion-hearted band of British soldiery, when 

* Charge ! " was the captain's cry ; 
Theirs not to reason why, 
Theirs not to make reply. 
Theirs but to do and die, 
Into the valley of death 
Rode the six hundred. ' 

But here was Graham, aloiie^ in a strange land, with his motto 
like that of Augustine, Contra Mtmdum — opposed to the world 
— or like the nobler Paul, on Mars' Hill, proclaiming, ^ And the 
times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth 
all men everywhere to repent.' The uproar on Mr. Graham's 
first attempt at street-preaching in Tralee was so great, that he 
had for that time to desist, as he states, 

' With holy indignation filled, 
Thus by the prince of hell withstood.' 

But it was only to try it again — which he resolved to do, to 
conquer or die — and it is said he did conquer most successfully 
under the following circumstances. Having taken his stand in the 
same place as before, a plan was immediately adopted by two 
accomplices to stone the preacher, and if possible to wound him 
mortally. One of the party was to stand close to the preacher 
to guide the otlier in his aim, while the latter took his post 
behind a dead wall opposite. The signal was given, the stone 
flew, missed Graham, but stmck the stone-thrower's accomplice, 
and cut him desperately, some say mortally. He acknowledged 
his crime, and was taken off in his blood to the Infirmar^^, crying 
out aloud for mercy, thus literally fulfilling the Scripture, ' He 
made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he 
made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his 
violent dealing shall come upon his own pate.' (Psalm vii. 
15, 16.) From this forward, the servant of the Lord was 



1 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



41 



allowed to preach unmolested. From Tralee he repaired 
to Milltown, on entering which he inquired of a lad, *Do you 
know any one ia this town who reads the Bible ? ' ' Oh, I "Ho, 
Sir,' responded the boy; Hhe clerk of the church.' 'Will you 
show me where he lives ?' said Mr. Graham. ' I will. Sir/ said 
the guide, and brought him to the man's door. When he came 
out, Mr. Graham said, ' I understand that you read the Bible ? ' 
' O, I do. Sir, on the Sabbath at church ; but, Lord help me, I 
make a very bad use of it.' * I am a preacher of the Gospel,' 
said Mr. Graham, ' and I would like to preach it here. ' ' Will 
you come in. Sir?' said he. ' I will,' said Graham, ' when I put 
up my horse at the inn.' He did so, and returned. That day 
salvation came to that man's house, and it became the con- 
stant resort of the missionary and of those who followed after. 
This man was addicted to drink, the prevalent sin of that day, and 
it is to be lamented of this day as well. Still, thank God, many 
have been redeemed from that ' soul-destroying suicide where 
more than blood is spilt.' It appears the town was filled that 
day with country people, as it was what is called a holyday, but 
which might be better designated an tuiholy day, from the evil 
practices which abound, and which have been long sanctioned 
by the 4aw of usage.' Mr. Graham took his stand on a block 
opposite the market-house — which block lies there still, at least it 
was there about twenty-five years ago. He delivered his 
message faithfully both in English and Irish, the latter being 
well understood. The Word was ' quick and powerful' The 
clerk was converted, and many deeply afi"ected. The news 
reached Sir William G , the lord of the soil, who imme- 
diately sent a message to the preacher not to preach there 
again ; but Graham was after publishing that he would do so, 
and he was of sterner stuff than to be intimidated from his 
purpose by a threat of that kind. Accordingly, he preached, 
although he expected the bailiff every moment to interrupt him ; 
but he was allowed to finish. He says, * I was willing to go to 



42 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

prison, and even to death, for Christ' The people flocked out 
from town and country ; the power of God descended, and many 
received the message of salvation at that very service, and a 
foundation was laid in that town for a cause which lasted for 
years. It ultimately became the head of a circuit called ' The 
Milltown Circuit* Thence Mr. Graham travelled round the 
country. Open doors presented themselves in all directions, 
and immediately Methodist societies were formed, and several 

among Sir William G 's tenantry, even some Roman 

Catholics, joined the society. It was now reported all over 
the land that Mr. Graham was formerly a Roman Catholic 
priest — we suppose because he spoke so much in Irish. This 
only increased his popularity ; for many came to hear him from 
mere curiosity. The Romish bishop of Killarney took the 
alarm, and charged all his clergy to be aware of him, and to 
warn their flocks not to hear or go near him ; that he was a 
^walking devil,' and ' a deceiver of the people.' One of the priests 
who had abused him more fiercely than the rest, fell down stairs 
the same night in a drunken fit, and broke his neck. This alarmed 
the whole community, but not the clergy; for another priest met 
Mr. Graham shortly after, and said, ' I will make you leave the 
country altogether,' and raised his cane to strike him, calling him 
a ^ rascal,' and stating that he would get Colonel Hassett to put 
him out of the country. Graham said, ' I will not leave it for 
you or Colonel Hassett, for I came to remain, and will do so 
as long as I please.' On this the priest raised his cane to strike 
him, but some person interposed. Then Mr. Graham said, *It 
is a bad qualification for any man bearing your profession to be 
a striker j" and, awful to relate, I saw his face no more, for he 
died shortly after, raving mad.' ' Vengeance is mine, and I will 
repay, saith the Lord.' Peter Cartwright's physical force system 
would not do in this country, however it may have done with the 
inHdel settlers he had to deal with in his early days in America. 
We had, I understand, in this country a preacher somewhat of 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



43 



the same disposition as Mr. Cartwright. The record of his death 
is — ' Asa preacher, his talents and usefulness were very consider- 
able. And although it must be admitted that his natural temper 
was severe, and sometimes trying to his best friends, yet it is but 
justice to his memory to state that he has not been known> to 
speak to the disadvantage of an absent person.' But of ano- 
ther referred to on the same page of the Minutes it is said, 

' His preaching mucli, but more his practice wrought 
A living sermon on the truths he taught. ' 

The latter is surely ^the more excellent way.* Still is there 
not an allowable holy indignation against evil, which has been 
sometimes erroneously attributed to a bad natural temper? 
How can we account for Nehemiah's conduct on any other 
principle? (See Neh. xiii. 25, 28.) In another part of the 
country the priest called out the names of sixteen persons 
from the altar, for having heard Mr. Graham preach. He 
insisted that each of these should go by night to a distant 
graveyard, bare-footed and bare-headed, and through bogs 
instead of the high road, and for each to bring back a human 
bone, and then appear on the following Sabbath in the congre- 
gation in a white sheet, and with his right hand lifted up, 
holding the bone in it. But all this did not do. ' The commion 
people still heard him gladly,' for he made the way of salvation 
very plain, and that in their own loved Irish language. Thus 
Graham, like another Luther, persevered in his hallowed toih 
indifferent to threats or maledictions. The Protestant ministers 
of the Established Church sometimes opposed him very strongly. 
It is likely his zeal put their indifference to the blush. Well 
might Cowper warn Episcopal authorities, as he does in the 
following lines, against ordaining such ministers — 

* From such apostles, O ye mitred heads, 
Preserv^e the Church, and lay not careless hands 
On skulls that cannot teach and will not learn.' 



44 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



It appears from the persecutions with which this servant 
of God had to contend, that neither the Bonner nor the Laudean 
school was dead, and it is to be feared their spirit is not alto- 
gether dead yet Dr. Clarke remarks, in his commentary on 
the words * No striker ' (i Tim iii. 3) — ' Not quarrelsome, not 
ready to strike a person who may displease him, no persecutor 
of those who may differ from him, or prone 

* To prove his doctrine orthodox, 
By apostohc blows and knocks.* 

While opposed and maligned by the clergy, the Lord gave 
Graham the hearts of the people. Even the higher classes saw 
his worth, and hailed his visits with delight But, best of all. He 
gave him many ' souls for his hire. ' In every direction he had 
seals to his ministry. The following are specimens : — In the 
harbour of Dingle lay a man-of-war. The burser, as he was 
called for purser, was a rigid Roman Catholic, although married 
to a Protestant lady. This lady came to hear Mr. Graham. 
The word reached her heart She penitently and believingly 
sought, and soon found, the priceless pearL At once she 
joined the little society just then formed in the town, and met 
by a Mr. James Leggett, also the fruit of Graham's ministry. 
But this so exasperated her bigoted husband, that he became 
her most determined enemy. He tolerated her being an Epis- 
copalian, but to unite herself with the ' sect everywhere spoken 
against' was outrageous. Still she persevered, although he 
resorted even to violence. He used to watch her coming 
home from ^ the conventicle,' and rush on her with a bludgeon, 
and inflict some dreadful wounds. No doubt, prayer was con- 
tinually offered up for her by Mr. Graham and the little society. 
On one occasion, while thus waiting close by for her to come 
out, he was attracted by Mr. Graham's melodious but powerful 
voice. He listened, and ' at each sound the pleasing wonder 
grew,' until he was induced at length to enter the house. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



45 



which caused those present to feel as much surprised, if not 
alarmed, as if a roaring lion had appeared amongst them. But 
ere long the lion became a lamb. He was completely sub- 
dued. He earnestly sought and speedily found the mercy 
of God, and went home with his more than overjoyed wife, a 
pardoned and happy man. Indeed all partook of the hallowed 
delight, but there was greater joy * through all the courts of 
paradise.' At once he renounced the Church of Rome, joined 
the little society, and for many years ornamented his profession, 
and then removed to England, where both himself and his 
good wife spent some years, and ultimately passed triumphant' 
home. They could, after his conversion, well understand 
Cowper's beautiful lines — 

* Domestic happiness, thou only bliss 
Of Paradise that has survived the fall ! 
Thou art not known where Pleasure is adored — = 
That reeling Goddess, with the zoneless waist. 
Forsaking thee, what shipwreck have we made 
Of honour, dignity, and fair renown. ' 

Another case of remarkable conversion greatly cheered 
him also. It was that of one of the most bigoted Roman 
Catholics in Kerry. His name was Roche. He was also an 
abandoned drunkard. He heard Graham preach, and 'the 
entrance of the word gave light' He, too, speedily became 
the happy participant of 

* The overwhelming powers of saving grace. ' 

He came at first to ' mock, but rem^ained to pray,' and his con- 
version produced a thrill of wonder throughout the community. 
But, alas ! in his case the wife became the tormentor. She re- 
mained a bigoted Romanist, and greatly persecuted him. He, 
however, continued faithful, and ^finished his course with joy.' 

These instances are only specimens of hundreds of similar 
cases in that country, and of those converts who shall be ' the 
crown of his rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus,' and thus 



46 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



^mightily grew the word of the Lord.' A thorough reforma- 
tion of morals took place in every direction, and all this in 
one short year. It was almost literally 'a nation bom in a 
day!' Graham received about two hundred members into 
the Methodist society, besides many on trial. He was regarded 
as ^an angel of light,' and was actually called, even then, ^The 
Apostle of Kerry.' How true to the life are the following 
lines — 

' Blessed time, when every dwelling 

Shall our joyful anthem raise ; 
Every heart with rapture swelling, 

Thrilling every tongue with praise ; 
Firmament, now glowing o'er us. 

Mountains, rivers, isles, and sea. 
All combine to swell the chorus 

Ringing in earth's jubilee.' L.^,! 



VI. 



*Tlie sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.'— Judges vii. 20. 

I. • 

* Sons of my sleeping fatliers, 

My country and my home, 
I see a glorious \'ista 

Of jo}^ful years to come; 
The vision falls upon me, 

A brighter day appears, 
I see the dove descending, 

To ^vipe away thy tears. 

II. 

Rejoice, ye sons of Erin, 

Your dawning is begun ; 
In hymns of triumph welcome 

The rising of the sun. 
The happy day is coming 

When thou wilt reach the goal — ■ 
Thy gi-eat emancipation 

Of heart, and mind, and souL 

III. 

A full and glorious freedom 

My God shall grant to thee. 
Even that for which the Saviour 

Hath died to set thee free. 
Yes, beauteous feet shall traverse 

Thy mountains, and proclaim 
Glad tidings of salvation 

In our Immanuel's name.' 



CHAPTER VL 



IRELAND'S EVANGELIZATION, 



Mr. Graham appointed the third preacher to Limerick circuit. — 
Revisits Kerry.— Takes up parts of Cork. — Great success. — 
a remarkable circumstance. — a whole family converted.— 
Visits Newmarket, Kanturk, Mallow, Doneraile, etc. — 
Remarkable conversion of a freemason. — The Rev. James 
Olliffe. — Lord Doneraile. — Lord Mountcashel. — Prepares 
to leave the country. — deep regret at leaving this 

LOVING PEOPLE. — ThEY SORROWED GREATLY AFTER HIM. — 

Dreams and visions. — St. Paul. — St. Patrick, his creed. — 
• His armour, or hymn. — No Roman Catholic— A genuine 
Protestant. — 1791. 

]]T the Conference of this year, Mr. Graham stands in 
the minutes as the third preacher on the Limerick 
Circuit, in order that the other two, Messrs. David 
Gordon and Andrew Hamilton, jun., might visit the counties 
of KeiTy and Cork alternately with him ; but from the account 
which he gives it appears that he had to take up those far off 
stations altogether himself. Very likely they imagined that he 
was the right man for the work, that he knew the country better 
than they possibly could. He seemed to feel this a little, espe- 
cially as his family had still to remain in Limerick during the 
second year. There was no alternative, and off he started again ; 
and as he had now a large portion of the County Cork com- 




i 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



49 



mitted to his trust, as well as the County Kerry, he was fully 
convinced that 

* An arm of flesh must fail 
In such a strife as this ; 
He only can prevail 

Whose arm immortal is ; 
'Tis Heaven itself the strength must yield, 
And weapons fit for such a field. ' 

He commenced his incursions from Kerry into the county of 
Cork, but found few intermediate places. This involved veiy 
long journeys, but the Lord permitted, or rather overruled, the 
following circumstance to obviate this difficulty. A lady who 
lived about half way between Killarney and Kanturk paid a 
visit to a family in Kerry w^ho entertained Mr. Graham, and 
who was there that very day. She told him that herself and 
husband were very much alarmed from what occurred a few 
days before she left. It appears that the servant-maid had 
just laid the cloth on the dining-room table for dinner, 
and returned for the plates, but when she came up the second 
time she found the cloth all saturated vnth blood : she was 
terrified, and called the family to witness the scene ; they were 
equally alarmed, and concluded that it must be the forerunner 
of some awful judgment. She asked Mr. Graham's opinion. 
He said, that it might be intended as a warning, and that they 
should humble themselves before the Lord, and pray that he 
might either avert or otherwise sanctify any trial which might 
arise. She said they would do so, and asked Mr. Graham to 
call at their place passing and repassing. This was just wiiat 
he wanted — a stopping-place to break the long journey. Mr. 
Graham also said, 'Too many in this country are like the 
children of Israel, who sat do^ra to eat and drink, and rose up to 
play.' Mr. Graham called at the house soon after, and his visit 
resulted in the conversion of that interesting family. We may, 

D 



50 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



surely, with the greatest propriety, adopt the oft-repeated lines 
as suitable here : — 

' God moves in a mysterious way, 

His wonders to perform ; 
He plants His footsteps in the sea, 

And rides upon the storm. 
Deep in unfathomable mines 

Of never-failing skill 
He treasures up His bright designs, 
And works His sovereign will.' 

In his visits to the County Cork, his success and openings in 
spreading Gospel truth were, if anything, more remarkable 
than even in the County Kerry. The first place visited was 
Newmarket. Here the hotel-keeper received him most cor- 
dially, and would make no charge. This gentleman had been 
a Roman CathoUc, but now went nowhere. He heard Mr. 
Graham preach, and expressed himself as greatly pleased. 
There was hope concerning him that he received the truth in 
the love thereof This was a good beginning. Mr. Graham 
next proceeded to Ka?ihirk. Here he found 'a few well- 
disposed people,' whom he joined into a class after preaching, 
and believed they v/ould ' hold fast whereunto they had at- 
tained.' Thence to Mallow^ of which he humorously observ^es, 
' From a child I heard of the Rakes of IMallow," as proverbial 
for drunkenness, cock-fighting, and all manner of dissipation.' 
Several discouraged him in going to this place at all, but he 
answered — 'The deeper sunk, the greater danger, and the 
greater need of my message.' He called at the inn, the 
proprietors of which were Protestants. When they found out 
his errand, the husband flung his hat into the fire, saying, ' If 
you convert me, you may convert the devil' Mr. Graham was 
amazed, and yet had hope of this man before he left the town. 
The landlady said, ' W e have a religion of our own here, and as 
for your ''repentance," and ''faith," and "pardon," we do not 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



want such things; v/e have our own clergy.' Mr. Graham 
meekly replied, ^ Except a man be born again, he cannot see 
the kingdom of God.' But, unlike Nicodemus, she did not 
even inquire, 'how can these things be?' He obtained a room 
for hire, and spent two nights among them. He preached, and 
also visited from house to house, and succeeded in obtaining a 
good congregation, and even formed a society of twenty-five 
persons, who mianifested a sincere desire ' to flee from the v,Tath 
to come.' Whether it was at this or a subsequent visit the 
folloAving remarkable conversion of a gentlem.an (and afterwards 
of his whole family) took place, I will not assert, but I may as 
well introduce it here. It was communicated to me several 
years ago by the late Rev. James Olliffe, vvho Vv-as contemporary 
with Mr. Graham for a considerable period of his life. Mr. 
Olliffe says: — 'In the year 1804 I met in class a gentleman 
who was brought to God in Mallow many years before. I was 
entertained in his house as one of the regular stopping-places 
for our ministers. His conversion occuiTed thus. Mr. Graham 
preached in the street of Mallow, and took his stand directly 
under the vvTudovv of a freemason lodge. The members were 
meeting at the time, inducting one of their order. They heard 
the sound of the preacher's voice, always clear and musical. 
They approached the window, listened attentively, and became 
much concerned. When the preacher had done (and I suppose 
when they had done also), a messenger was despatched from 
the body to request his attendance at the room. He accord- 
ingly ascended the ladder, laid justice to the rule and 
righteousness to the plummet, and squared off at least one 
living stone for our spiritual building ; and by so doing m^ade 
a sun house for our ministers for many years, and the whole 
family became the partakers also with him of the grace of 
eternal life.' Mr. Graham regularly visited Mallow after this 
during the year, and left 150 members in society, which led to 
its becoming the head of a circuit immediately after. Of the 



52 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



society he remarks, ' A more loving people, for a young 
society, could hardly be found.' How marvellous the change 
in such a short time ! Even the innkeeper, who regarded his 
own conversion as hopeless as that of the devil, became Mr. 
Graham's best friend, and invited him to his house ; and it is 
hoped that the good lady also was led to see the way of salva- 
tion more fully. The next place visited was Doneraile. This 
visit caused a great stir in the town. The news reached Lord 
Doneraile immediately, that ' a wonderful missionary had come 
to town.' His lordship sent for his steward, and inquired all 
about this stranger. He told his lordship that he came to 
reform the town. His lordship replied, ' It would be well if it 
could be done.' Graham opened his commission, and not in vain, 
for before he left he joined in society seventeen ; and besides, 
there were many others who gave evidence that they did not 
hear in vain, and a great change was effected in the to^\Ti; 
thus verifying the truthfulness of the apostolic song, ' Now 
thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in 
Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by 
us in every place.' Lord Mountcashel related the triumphs of 
tmth in a neighbouring town through the instrumentality of a 
Wesleyan missionary, in a speech delivered in London at the 

anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, in the year 

1828 j our readers w^ill judge for themselves. 

LORD MOUNTCASHEL'S SPEECH, 
At the An7iive;'sary of the Wesleyan AIissio7taiy Society^ held in London^ 
May Sth, 1828. 

' I would mention one anecdote respecting a Wesleyan mis- 
sionary, for the truth of which I can vouch. He went to one 
of the villages on a Sunday, and taking his station near the 
Catholic chapel, he preached in the open air to a large mul- 
tiiude who surrounded him. The Catholic clerg^^an. feelmg 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



S3 



much annoyed at this, placed himself not far from the preacher, 
at the head of a crowd ; and when the missionary came to an 
important point in his discourse, he (the priest) raised his arm 
as a signal to the people who set up a loud shout, so as to 
drown the voice of the speaker. This, however, did not dis- 
courage him, but he proceeded to the end of his discourse. A 
few days afterwards the priest was passing near the place, when 
raising his arm and pointing to it, he said to a friend, ^ That is 
the spot where that cursed heretic preached to the people.' At 
the very moment he raised his arm he was seized with, paralysis, 
his arm dropped by his side, his mouth was distorted, he 
staggered backwards, and was taken to his own house in a state 
of insensibility, and until this moment he is not perfectly 
recovered.' 

Thus in labours more abundant did this veteran of the cross 
spend the second year of his ministry along those moral valds 
and wastes of Kerry and of Cork, at the conclusion of which he 
remarks : — ' The Lord turned the barren wilderness into the 
fruitful field, and opened rivers in high places, and springs in 
the valleys ;' and then asks, in all the confidence of faith and 
hope — 

' Is anything too hard for Thee, 
Almighty Lord of all?' 

Before he left he could pass through every part of the country 
without the shghtest annoyance. Rich and poor both loved 
and respected him, and now bitterly mourned his departure 
from them ; and he, in turn, might truly say of many of them, 
'For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospe-.' 
But the time was come when he must bid this loving and hos- 
pitable people a final adieu — at least as their minister and 
pastor. But he did return in the capacity of a general mis- 
sionary many years after. He felt very deeply at leaving them ; 
for, whatever he was to others, he was truly an apostle to them. 
He writes — ' I would have a deeper sorrow in leaving Kerry, 



54 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



but that I am fully convinced the Lord enabled me to do the 
work for which He sent me to this country, and of which I 
had so clear a revelation before I entered on it at all, even by 
remarkable dreams and visions.' It would appear as if he had 
the whole scene laid before him, as Saint Paul had when he 
was told of a certain place — ' I have much people in this city.' 
I know there is a large amount of suspicion with many as to 
the reality of anything connected with dreams. I will not here 
enter on what some are pleased to call ' the philosophy of 
dreams,' but we have the clearest evidence that the Most High 
frequently employed such in giving intimation of His will, so 
that it would be utter folly to question their genuine character 
in numberless instances, especially in the absence of the 
clearer vision of revealed truth. In a recent life of the reputed 
wSaint Patrick, which now lies before me, the following occurs : — 
' When I was about to return from Ireland, where I had been a 
slave for six years, I heard, in a dream, a voice which told me 
I was soon to return to my own country (Scotland), and that 
a ship would be ready to carry me at tlie sea side. In com- 
pliance with this I repaired to the place, found the vessel 
unmoored and ready to sail. I reached home in safety, and 
was heartily received ; and after four years I returned by a 
voice I heard in another dream. I saw a large quantity of 
letters brought to me, one of which I opened, containing these 
^vords — ^The voice of the Irish.' I opened another, which said — 
' We entreat thee, holy youth, to come out and walk among 
us.' He states this dream haunted him day and night for four 
years, during which he went to Gaul, and studied under Germanus 
and others, and then came back to Ireland, and it is said 
brought twenty assistants with him, landing on the coast of 
Wicklow in the year 432, at the mouth of the river Vartry 
from which Dublin is now being supplied with wholesome 
water. He met with much opposition, but ultimately succeeded 
in spreading Gospel light through the length and breadth of 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 55 

the land, which, no doubt, obtained for it the appellation of 
* Island of Saints.' If Saint Patrick's history and doctrines 
could have been faithfully preserved from the legend which too 
often shrouds it, we would have had transmitted to us one of the 
most brilliant examples of missionary life and success which 
took place since the days of the apostles, He might well be 
called the Apostle of Ireland, Thus we may say with a 
certain writer — 

* Many truths 
Have been made known in visions and in dreams,' 

As we have introduced this marvellous man, of whose existence 
we can have no reasonable doubt, although Led^\dch, a well- 
known writer on Irish antiquities, questioned his existence, and 
Mr. Wesley had his misgivings on the subject also, yet others 
have written as strongly of the reality of his existence, of the 
genuine character of his piety, and the purity of his doctrines, 
we will make no apology for introducing a part of his reputed 
Creed, and also an extract from what is called his Hymn, when 
going to Tara to meet Laoghaire, the supreme m.onarch of 
Ireland, of his inter/iew wdth Avhom he had strong fears, 

SAINT Patrick's creed. 

' There is no other God, nor ever was, nor will be after Him. 
except God the Father, without beginning, from whom is all 
beginning, who upholds ail things j and his Son Jesus Christ, 
w^hom, together with the Father, we testify to have always 
existed, who, before the beginning of the world was spiritually 
present with the Father, begotten in an unspeakable manner 
before all beginning, by whom were made all things visible and 
invisible, who w^as made man, and having overcame death was 
received into heaven to the Father ; who will render to every- 
one according to his deeds ; and has poured out abundantly on 
us the gift of the Holy Spirit, even the earnest of immortality ; 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



who makes those that beHeve and obey to be sons of God 
the Father, and joint heirs with Christ; whom we confess and 
adore, one God in the Trinity of the sacred name.' — See late 
Archdeacon Hamilton, P.R's, version of the Co7iversion of Sam t 
Patrick, page 7 (O'Reilly, 139 Capel Street, Dubhn). 

SAINT Patrick's armour or hymn (in part). 

' I bind to myself to-day, 
The power of Go 3 to guide me, 
The might of God to uphold me, 
The wdsdom of God to teach me» 
The eye of God to watch me, 
The ear of God to hear me, 
The Word of God to give me spirit, 
The hand of God to protect me, 
The way of God to prevent me. 
The shield of God to shelter me, 
The host of God to defend me 
Against the snares of demons. 
Against the temptations of ^■ice5, 
Against any man who injures me, 
Whether far or near. 
With few, or with many, 
Christ with me to-day, 
Christ before me, Christ behind me, 
Christ within me, Christ beneath me, 
Christ above me, Christ at my right hand, 
Christ at my left hand, Christ in the fort, 
Christ in the poop, Christ in the chariot seat, 
Chi-ist in the heart of ever}^ man who thinks of me, 
Christ in the mouth of ever}^ man who speaks of me, 
Christ in the eye of every one that sees me, 
■ Christ in eveiy ear that hears me. 

' I bind to myself to-day the strong power of an invocation of the Trinity, 
the faith of the Trinity in unity, the Creator of the elements — 

' Domini est Salus, 
Domini est Salus, 
Christi est Salus, 

Salus tua Domine sit semper nobiscum. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



57 



T7^anslaiion, 
Salvation is of the Lord, 
Salvation is of the Lord, 
Salvation is of Christ, 

Thy salvation, O Lord, is always with us. '* 

In all the above, ' Christ is all and in all/ and not a word 
about the invocation of saints or angels, or of purgatory ; which 
proves that Saint Patrick was a sound Protestant in creed and 
worship, and not a Roman Catholic. 

ST. Patrick's death. 
We now give from the most authentic sources we have, an 
account of the happy death of this great and holy man. This 
event took place at Saul, his favourite resort in the County 
Do^vn, on the 17th of March 465, now 1403 years ago, not 
noticing the difference of style. He laboured for thirty- 
three years as a general missionary in Ireland, and left behind 
him as the fruit of those labours, under God, 365 churches, 
365 ordained ministers, and 3000 elders. His last w^ords are 
recorded to be, ' Now I commend my soul to God, who is 
faithful, whose mission I perform, lonely that I am. I pray 
God that He may grant me perseverance, and that He may 
vouchsafe to permit m.e to bear faithful witness to Him even 
unto death. I pray those w^ho believe in and fear God, whoever 
may look into or receive this TOting, which I, Patrick, a sinner 
and unlearned, wrote in Ireland, that no one may ever say that 
I, in my ignorance, am to have the merit of anything I may 
have done according to the purpose of God — but believe and 
take it for certain that it was God who did it, and this is my 
confession before I die.' His motto, and the secret of all both 
in life and in death was ' Christ with me,' and this may be ours 
also, thank God ; and if so, all will be well with us for ever. 



* See Dr. Todd's Life of Saint Patrick, pp. 426, 429. 



I 



VIL 

' In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand : 
for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, this or that, or whether they 
both shall be alike good.' — Solomon. 

Sow ye beside all waters, 

Where the dew of heaven may fall ; 
Ye shall reap, if ye be not weary, 

For the Spirit breathes on all. 

Sow, though the thorns may wound thee, 

One wore the thorns for thee ; 
And, though the cold world scorn thee, 

Patient and hopeful be. 

Sow ye beside all waters, 

With a blessing and a prayer ; 
Name Kim whose hands uphold thee, 

And sow thou ever}^yhere. 

Work in the v. ild, waste places, 

Thou:;h none thy love may own ; 
God guides the dovvm of the thistle 

The wandering wind hath sown. 

Will Jesus chide thy w^eakness. 

Or call thy labour vain ? 
The word for Him thou bearest 

Shall return to Him again. 

O, with thy heart in heaven, 

Thy strength thy Maker's might, 
Till the wild, waste places blossom 

In the warmth of a Saviour's light. 



CHAPTER VIL 



MR. Graham's appointment to the noPvTh. 

Mr. Graham leaves Kerry. — Deep regret. — Returns to Limerick. 
— Meets the superintendent. — Delivers up his accounts.— 
Resigned as to his appointment. — Goes to Enniskillen. — 
Meets his colleague. — Mutual faith and hope for a 
revival. — Very popular preacher in Irish. — Persecution 
FROM Rome. — Second year in Enniskillen.— Great pros- 
perity.— Recounts God's dealing for four years. — Grati- 
tude. — Appointed to Birr or Parsonstown. — Visits Clare. — 
Extract from minutes. — Appointed to Mountrath. — Labours 
with Rev. A. Averell. — Extracts from his life. — Represen- 
tation TO English Conference. — Driven on shore by stress 

OF WEATHER. — PROVIDENTIAL DREA.M. — HUMOROUS MISTAKE OF 
A BELLMAN. — MESSRS. GrAHAM AND AvERELL'S LABOURS AND 

SUCCESS. — Rebellion of 1798. — Conference. — Providential 
ESCAPE. — Burning of mail-coach near Naas.— Messrs. G. and 
A. Taylor's escape in Wexford. — Appointed to Longford, 
with Messrs. Smith and Andrew Taylor. — Letter to his 
SON. — English sympathy.— C. Wesley. 

R. GRAHAM having now given up the Kerry mission, 
he came to Limerick, where his family resided, and 
called to see Mr. Gordon, the superintendent, in 
order to present him with the financial and numerical character 
of the mission, which were very satisfactory. He waited in 
Limerick until his appointment was confirmed. Before Mr. 
Gordon went to the Conference he said to Mr. Graham, 
'Where do you wish to go next year?' 'Wherever the 




6o THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

providence of God casts my lot,' said Mr. Graham. If this 
spirit were more fully acted on by Churches and ministers, we 
would not have so many calls as we hear of, and perhaps not so 
many cases of dissatisfaction. In apostohc times they were 
se7it^ and in the early days of John Wesley it was so also. 
* How shall they preach except they be se?it ? ' is an important 
inquiry. If we 

' Leave to His sovereign sway 

To choose and to command, 
So shall we wondering o^^m His way, 
How wise, how strong His hand. ' 

' He would then choose our inheritance for us,' and if so, all 
would be mutually well for both worlds. Mr. Graham received 
his appointment for the Enniskillen circuit He left work 
enough in Kerry and Cork to justify the Conference in ap- 
pointing four preachers to travel the Limerick circuit. Of his 
own appointment he remarks : — ' I received a letter from the 
Conference to say that I was appointed for the Enniskillen 
circuit, with the Rev. Matthew Stuart as my colleague, and 
from the slender acquaintance I have of him, I rejoice at my 
lot' Mr. Stuart was a man greatly owned of God wherever he 
travelled, and possessed a kindred spirit ^\it\i Mr. Graham in 
love for the salvation of souls and the re\ival of God's work. 
He finished his course veiy happy in God, in 1827. On 
leaving Limerick for Enniskillen, jNIr. Graham remarks, ' I shall 
never forget this precious people who bore the burden and 
the heat of the day : " they took care of my little family for the 
two years I was in Kerry.' He was now much dra^ra out in 
prayer for his new circuit, and when he anived he found what 
he calls ' a praying people, and many of them experienced 
Christians.' It was mutually impressed on the minds of both 
these brethren, Stuart and • Graham, unknown to each other, 
that God would grant them a glorious revival year, and 
'according to their faith it was done unto them.' Indeed, both 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



6i 



of them would be miserable without conversions, and those 
with which they were favoured, were ahvays regarded as truly 
genuine. Mr. Graham attracted great crowds by his preaching, 
especially when he preached in the Irish language, as many in 
the County Fermanagh understood it at that time. There was 
a great movement among the Roman Catholics, as they under- 
stood the Irish well, and several left the Church of Rome. 
^ The word was quick and powerful, and sharper than a tw^o- 
edged sword.' The priests took the alarm, and strove to 
prevent as many as they could from listening to words 'whereby 
they might be saved.' Mr. Graham merely calls them 'an 
unhappy class of mjen.' The greatest enemies of truth were 
convinced and converted; and so subdued vrere former opposers 
that they dare not now move a tongue against a work which vras 
being so divinely acknowledged. It would appear as if the whole 
land would 'stretch out its hand unto God.' Thus these 
heralds of mercy spent their happy year, ' the Lord working 
with them by signs follo^ving ; so mightily grew the word of the 
Lord.' They returned nearly a hundred of an increase. 

At the Conference of 1793, Mr. Graham was appointed to the 
charge of the Enniskillen circuit, with Messrs. Michael Murphy 
and James Bell as his colleagues. Of Mr. Murphy we may 
remark, that he was converted to God in Dublin, through the 
instrumentality of the Rev. John Fletcher, during a visit he paid 
to the city. The record of him is, ' He was a useful preacher. 
His manner was warm and affectionate : his piety sincere and 
uniform ; his conversation was animated and devout ; he loved 
the mea,ns of grace ; and he joyfully finished his earthly course 
in the 80th year of his age.' Of Mr. Bell we vdll require to 
speak hereafter as a missionar}-. The enemy of peace endea- 
voured to disturb the circuit during the year, but, by the blessing 
of the Most High, and the forbearance and courage of Mr. 
Graham, it was soon restored to perfect tranquillity. He writes 
— ' I think I never saw a greater growth in grace, or the work 



62 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



of God more prosperous than on this circuit' The increase 
during the two years was 372. He reviews the whole of his 
regular ministry thus — ' Glory to God, who has in the course of 
the last four years added many seals to my ministry. It bears 
me up that I have not ''run in vain," neither "laboured in 
vain." Although He has brought me through deep waters and 
fiery trials, I have also during that time w^itnessed the happy 
deaths of many who were converted to God by my humble 
ministry. Having therefore obtained help of the Lord, I 
continue to this day " preaching to small and great repentance 
towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ," urging 
all to go forward to the attainment of that holiness " without 
which, no man can see the Lord." And being noAv in the 44th 
year of my age, it is with gratitude I can look back on the 
many dangers I have escaped, and the many deliverances 
wrought out for me, also the many favours which have followed 
me all the days of my life. The only return I can make is to 
give myself afresh and '' all that I have and am" to that God 
who " loved me, and gave Himself for me," and "washed me in 
His own blood ;" and had I a thousand lives, and a thousand 
worlds, I could count them all too little to be devoted to His 
service, for He alone is "worthy to be praised, and to be had in 
everlasting remembrance" throughout all ages, world without 
end. Amen.' Oh, how refreshing, even at this distant period 
of seventy-four years, are those hallowed aspirations, the 
grateful and overflowing emotions of a heart filled with love to 
God and man. How true to the life is the following description 
by the immortal Young — 

'Thou my all, 
My theme, my inspiration and my crown ; 
My strength in age, my rise in low estate ; 
My soul's ambition, pleasure, wealth, my world ; 
My light in darkness, and my life in death ; 
My boast through time, bliss through eternity ; 
Eternity, too short to speak Thy praise, 
Or fathom Thy profound of love to man. ' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



63 



Mr. Graham's next circuit, in 1794, w^as Birr, in the King's 
County, latterly called Parsonstown, from Parsons, the family 
name of Lord Ross. This town is now the second town on 
the Roscrea circuit. On this circuit he travelled two years, 
and we have no record but what is included in the address of 
the Irish Conference to the British Conference, which bears on 
the work in general, but no doubt on this circuit in particular ; 
for we find no less than 335 members of an increase during the 
two years. It states, 'We rejoice and bless God that w^e have 
it in our powder to inform you that He hath owned our labours 
during the year that is past, and that He is building up Jeru- 
salem in troublous times. The Great Head of the Church has 
wonderfully preserved and prospered us.' Mr. M'Quigg vv^as 
his colleague, who was afterw^ards appointed as one of the 
general missionaries. There is a singular 'N.B.' in con- 
nexion with their appointment in the year 1794. 'Birr — Charles 
Graham, James M'Quigg. N.B. — These shall be also con- 
sidered as missionaries for the County Clare ; and shall visit it 
alternately, as often as possible.' This was surely sharp exer- 
cise, for to any one that knows the distance by which those 
parts of the country are separated, and the mode of travelling 
in those days, it will appear that the word of the Lord v/as 
scarce indeed ! 1796, 1797. — Mountrath, in the Queen's 
County, was his next appointment for two years. The record 
in the minutes is as follows : — ' The past year has been very 
favourable to Zion in this land. In many places the Word of 
the Lord has been glorified. Numbers have been convinced, 
converted, and added to the Church.' During those two 
years the Rev. Adam Averell stands on the minutes as con- 
nected with the Mountrath circuit as a supernumerary, perhaps 
because he had property close by at a place called Tentower, 
but he laboured most faithfully with Mr. Graham, who was 
the superintendent. On pages 207, 208, 209, 210, of Mr. 
Averell's Life, by Messrs. Stewart and Rivington, the following 



64 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



is recorded as having taken place about the spring of 1798 : — 
' But/ observes Mr. Averell, ' amidst all the confusion 
occasioned by these dreadful scenes we had seasons of great 
refreshing. All glory to the Lord for His peculiar care over 
His servants in these eventful and trying times.' He accom- 
panied Mr. Graham to Ballyhappahan, and remarks, ' We 
found the country almost deserted, and on arriving at our 
destination, our friends expected a visit from the rebels that 
night. We had, notmthstanding, a large congregation in the 
evening, and Brother Graham preached a deeply-affecting 
sermon, and afterwards, in our prayer-meeting, our God in- 
spired us with confidence that we would be preserved to see 
the return of another day, and we were not disappointed. At 
our quarterly meeting (Love Feast), next day, in Mountrath, 
the Lord made bare His arm, and manifested Himself in great 
blessing.' On the 9th of June, Messrs. Smith, M'Farland, 
Graham, and Averell, set out for Conference. They reached 
Monasterevan the first evening, where they had a hallowed 
season. Next day the two former brethren took coach for 
Dublin, leaving their horses, no doubt alarmed by reason of 
the awful reports, while Graham and Averell proceeded on 
horseback confiding in God. When they came to Naas, they 
heard that the two coaches were burned a little outside of that 
town. All was terror, but after feeding their horses they pro- 
ceeded. They found one of the coaches burned — that on 
which the two good brethren had travelled for safety. Their 
lives were spared, but they lost all they possessed, and then 
the rebels allowed them to pass on. O, how delightful it is to 
hold life from God as the boon of the moment ! ' Shortly after 
this Mr. Averell was instrumental in the conversion of a 
gentleman in Athlone, a nephew to Mr. Goldsmith, and under 
very remarkable circumstances. A very singular case of the 
preservation of the life of a Doctor Waddy, and the death of a 
Friar Bume, is recorded on page 225 of the same volume. In 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



65 



1796, Mr. Avereil accompanied Messrs. Joyce and Smith as 
representatives to the Enghsh Conference. On their return by 
Bristol they sailed for Dublin in a brig called the ' Sturdy 
Beggar.' They had great stress of weather, and had to 
put into a coast-town called Ilfraco77ihe^ where they had to 
remain for a full fortnight. On the second night after we 
landed I had a dream, says Mr. Avereil, in which I thought it 
w^as said to me, ' You must preach the Gospel here, for there- 
fore have I sent you.' And, accordingly, they were made very 
useful to the inhabitants. Several conversions took place. 
Neither the Episcopalian nor Independent ministers would 
give them any encouragement, but rather preached against 
them, although Mr. Avereil had his regular letters of ordi- 
nation as a Church of England clergpnan. However, they 
sent the bell-man about, w^ho, unknown to himself, by a humo- 
rous mistake, succeeded in obtaining a tremendous crowd. He 
was told to publish that ^ two Wesley a7is ' had come to town^ 
and would preach in the evening at a certain place. The bell- 
man proclaimed — ' Take notice that two Welch Lions have come 
to town, and will preach' at such an hour and in such a place ; 
mistaking the word Wesleyans for Welch Lions, As may be 
imagined a motley group assembled, and great good was done. 
How often has curiosity been overruled when other methods 
failed ! ' Come see a man that told me all that ever I did,' led 
to the conversion of many of the Samaritans. Surely ^ He 
maketh a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters,' 
What was a great trial turned out to be a blessing. At the 
Conference of 1798, that memora.ble year of rebellion, Mr. 
Graham was appointed to the Longford circuit. In the 
address of the Irish Conference of this year to the British Con- 
ference we read the following, and may well imagine in what 
state the country was involved : — ^ Never did we expect to see 
so awful a day as we now behold. The scenes of carnage and 
desolation are truly affecting. To attempt a description would 

E 



66 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. .GRAHAM, 



be vain indeed. The loss of ti*ade, breach of confidence, fear 
of assassination, burned towns, countr}- waste, houses for miles 
without an inhabitant, the air tainted \vith. the corrupted bodies 
of thousa^nds, form some idea of the melancholy picture. 
Many of our societies scattered, and many of our people with- 
out a place to lay their heads, constrain us to cry, O Lord, 
shorten the days of our calamit}\ or no flesh can be 
saved.'" Messrs. George and Andrew Taylor had escapes from 
death in Wexford, the most miraculous! The former was a 
local preacher, and afterwards A^TOte a history of the rebellion. 
The latter was a regular minister in our connexion, and 
laboured most successfully for many years. This year, July 
1798, he was appointed, together with Mr. James Smith, to 
labour with Islr. Graham on the Longford circuit. The Rev. 
William Reilly, Mr. Ouseley's biographer, speaks of ^Ir. A. 
Taylor thus : — ' In the early part of Mr. Taylor's ministr)- he 
was in perils oft among his own countrymen, and was taken 
and sent prisoner, as a heretic, to the garrison of W^exford, 
where hundreds of Protestants were already sacrificed at the 
shrine of intolerance. He was brought before the inquisitorial 
court. When asked, ''What are you?" Taylor said at once, 
I am a Methodist p?' cache?' not kno^™g but the next hour 
would have been his last ; and strange to say, one of the party 
said, "he is an honest fellovr. and must not be injured."' 
Thus, through faith, we may still well say, in this instance at 
least, that he ' escaped if not the edge of the sword,' he did the 
point of the pike. 

* O for a faitli that will not shrink, 

When pressed by eveiy foe ; 
That mil not tremble on the brink 

Of any earthly woe : 
That mil not murmur or complain 

Beneath the chastening rod ; 
But in the hour of grief or pain 

Will lean upon its God. * 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



6'7 



The remainder of this year passed sweetly away in the mutual 
sympathy and happy toil of these good and martyr-spirited 
brethren. Thanking God that they were counted worthy to 
suffer so much as they did for Clirist in the dreary winter of 
'97, and fearful spring of '98^ they rejoiced now in their new 
sphere of labour on the Longford circuit, comparatively free 
from those ' cruel mockings,' and even of death in its bitterest 
forms, which, of some excellent of the land, it might be said, 

* Dragged them into fame, 
And chased them up to heaven.' 

About this time Mr. Graham apprenticed his only son and 
namesake in a respectable establishment in Dublin, and, from 
the first letter w^hich he mote to him aftenvards, I consider 
the follovving extract is worthy of record, as it may serve other 
young lads. It appears Mr. Graham bought a nice dress-coat 
for Charles, to be worn on the Sabbath and on special occa- 
sions ; but, after the father left the city, the young lad thought 
well of exchanging it for one more suitable to his taste, which 
the father told him not to do. However, the new^ coat was 
stolen from poor Charles, and a letter of lamentation reached 
the father, to which the following extract is the reply m part : — 

'Longford, Dece^nber 1798. 

' Dear Charles, — I sincerely think the loss of your coat is a kind of 
judgment for your disobedience and pride. The same cast the angels out 
of heaven. How few let well enough alone. But I hope you ^vill learn 
obedience by the things you have suffered. ' A reproof sinks deeper into a 
wise man's heart than hundreds of stripes into a fool's back." Tell your 
master to purchase the coat and send me the bill. You had need to be 
m.ore watchful and prayerful, and secure an interest in the favour of the 
Almighty. The weather is very severe here. Motlier and I have colds ; 
your sister is well. My rides are long, but it is a mercy I am able to get 
through. All join in love to you and the family — I remain, your affec- 
tionate father, 'Charles Graham.' 

The following is an extract from the answer of the British 



68 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



Conference to the Irish Address referred to already. It shows 
much brotherly kindness in those peculiarly trying times : — 

' Very Dear Brethren, — Though the common means of intelligence 
had made us acquainted with your truly calamitous condition before we 
received your very moving address, yet, on its being read in the Conference, 
the tenderest compassion and most affectionate s}Tnpathy were excited in 
eveiy breast. We saw^ we felt the difference of our situation ! You were 
in the midst of various perils, while we were comparatively resting in safet>\ 
We were in "a land of peace," while you were exposed to "the swelling of 
Jordan." Surely those v/ords were eminently fulfilled among you — "Per- 
secuted but not forsaken ; cast down but not destroyed ! " Not only had good 
angels "charge concerning you," but God Himself v/as with you, and kept 
YOU "as the apple of His eye." Your conduct, dear brethren, is worthy of the 
highest degree of approbation. You evidenced your attachment to " the flock 
of Christ over which the Holy Ghost had made you overseers," by continuing 
to watch over them and share their lot, when hirelings would have mani- 
fested themselves to be such by fleeing at the approach of the wolf ! O 
brethren, rejoice that the Head of the Church hath thus honoured you to 
suffer for His name's sake ! Go forward and fear nothing. "As your days 
so shall thy strength be." And should any of you be called to lay down 
your lives in so righteous a cause, it will be dying like the Prince of life, 
and the crown of martyrdom will be your eternal reward.' 

We will conclude this chapter with the lines of Charles 
W^esley, so suitable to the trials and patience of the Lord's 
servants at this time in Ireland — 

' Welcome alike the crown or cross ; 

Trouble I cannot ask, nor peace. 
Nor toil, nor rest, nor gain, nor loss. 

Nor joy, nor grief, nor pain, nor ease, 
Nor life, nor death, but ever groan. 
Father, Thy only will be done. ' 



VIII. 



JUBILEE YEAR FOR IRELAND, GENERAL MISSION, 1799. 

'And lamps within the pitchers.' — ^Judges vii. 16. 

' Blow ye the trumpet, blow 

The gladly solemn sound ; 
Let all the nations know, 

To earth's remotest bound, 1 
The year of Jubilee is come ; 
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home. 

Jesus, our great High Priest, 

Hath full atonement made ; 
Ye weary spirits rest. 

Ye mournful souls be glad. 
The year of Jubilee is come. 
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home. 

Extol the Lamb of God, 

The all-atoning Lamb, 
Redemption in His blood 

Throughout the world proclaim.. 
The year of Jubilee is come, 
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home. 

Ye who have sold for nought 

Your heritage above. 
Shall have it back unbought, 

The gift of Jesus' love. 
The year of Jubilee is come, 
Return, ye ransomed sinners, home. ' 

Charles Wesley, i 



CHAPTER VIIL 



THE IRISH GENERAL MISSION, JULY 1799 TO JULY 1800. 
The Rev. W. Smith's history. — Dr. Coke's missions. — General 

MISSIONARIES. — Dr. CoKE's ENCOURAGEMENT. — Mr. OuSELEY's 
APPOINTMENT. — Mr. LaNKTREE's OPINION OF HIM. — GrAHAM 
VISITS A CONVICT IN LONGFORD JAIL. — PrAYS WITH HIM. — HOPES OF 
HIS CONVERSION AND HAPPY DEATH. — FiRST STREET SERVICE AFTER 
APPOINTMENT TO GENERAL MISSION. — ReV. W. ReILLY'S OPINION 

OF Graham and Ouseley. — Preaches in Sligo street. — Oppo- 
sition AND success. — Labours for six weeks there. — ^Journey 

TO AND FROM DUBLIN. — PREACHING ON THE WAY. — TULLAMORE, 

Drogheda. — Letters to Dr. Coke.— Removes to Clones. — 
Great labours through the north. — Visits Smithborough, 

MONAGHAN, NeWBLISS. — MARVELLOUS RESULTS. — AlSO BaLLIBAY, 

Cootehill, Clones. — Prepares for next Conference. — Esteem 

EACH other WITH increasing affection. — ThE CONFERENCE JUS- 
TIFIED IN APPOINTING THREE ADDITIONAL MISSIONARIES FOR NEXT 

YEAR (1800). — Names and appointments. — Spheres of labour. 



HE Rev. William Smith, in his Consecutive History of 
Irish Methodism^ alludes thus to the establishment 
of the general mission : — ' Dr. Coke having success- 
fully established missions in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, 
and the West Indies, resolved this year (1799) to adopt a plan 
by which to introduce the Gospel among the benighted pea- 
santry of Ireland, and that by means of missionaries who under- 
stood the Irish language,' He met with opposition from the 
Conference in consequence of the expenditure, but the Doctor, 
undertaking to become responsible, surm^ounted all the diffi- 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



71 



ciilties. and saw the plan crowned with success. The subject 
was also introduced into the address to the English Conference 
thus: — ^Two of our respectable brethren, of considerable 
standing, Messrs. M'Quigg and Graham, have entered upon 
one of the most arduous undertakings that has been attempted 
since the primitive times — that of teaching the native Irish the 
way of salvation in their own language. They sacrifice every 
social comfort that they may bring lost sinners to "the Shepherd 
and Bishop of souls,'" This was the apostolic spirit. Dr. 
Coke may be truly called ' the prince of missionaries, and the 
undying friend of Ireland.' The subject of Ireland's evangeliza- 
tion had long occupied his most anxious solicitude. About 
fourteen years before this he wanted Mr. Graham to engage in 
some enterprise of this character, but some difficulty always 
presented itself Mr. Graham, as we have mentioned before, 
would not undertake it at the first interview. 

Matters had now come to a crisis. The country had under- 
gone a fearful scourge the wdnter and spring before. The 
atrocities were fearful, and vengeance did not slumber. The 
minds of the people were subdued, and it was only acting the 
part of the good Samaritan, to pour the balm of Gospel truth 
into hearts and minds torn with anguish on the one side, and 
subdued into sullen silence and black despair on the other. 
Before the Conference closed there was another brother added 
to the two general missionaries already mentioned, namely, the 
immortal Ouseley^ appointed also out of the ordinary mode of 
receiving candidates, being a married man. This note is 
affixed to his name in the minutes : — ' Gideon Ouseley is not 
hereby received into the regular travelling connexion, but is to 
have the allowance of a travelling preacher for himself and his 
wife while he is employed on this mission.' Gideon did not 
care what restrictions were imposed on him, only let him preach 
as 'a dying man to dying men,' and to tell them of 'the dire 
disease and the sovereign cure.' He was to take Connaught 



72 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



and Ulster, with Mr. Graham as his senior and superintendent 
Hence the phraseology always obtained, while they travelled 
for five or six years together, 'Graham and Ouseley,'but latterly 
many of our good brethren have changed the order, and style 
them ' Ouseley and Graham,' but from the beginning it was not 
so. i\Ir. Graham kept regular journals for many years, 
most of which are in the hands of the author. He is not sure 
that Mr. Ouseley kept any. Mr. Graham tells us that he had to 
wait — that is, w^ait in daily toil — for about a month, in and 
about Sligo, for Mr. Ouseley, after the Conference, until he 
regulated his temporal affairs, having filled a literary situation, 
where he had preached locally for two years previously with 
great acceptance and success. The Rev. Matthew Lanktree 
speaks of him at this time thus: — ' It was here (Sligo) I first saw 
my friend and brother, ]Mr. Gideon Ouseley, that eminent Irish 
missionary. He was not then in our itinerant ministry, though 
exceedingly zealous in public and private, by ordinary and 
extraordinar}- labours, calling sinners to repentance, particularly 
in the Irish language. A remarkable influence attended his 
ministr}^, and I shall scarcely ever forget his power with God in 
prayer.' ^Nlr. Graham records his own entrance on the general 
mission work in the to^m of Longford as follows: — 'On the day 
after I returned from the Conference (20th July 1799) to Long- 
ford, I heard there Y\'as a man to be executed. It was on a 
Saturday. A little before the execution I went to the prison, 
where I found the priest engaged in sapng prayers out of a 
book for the poor man. There v»^ere three prisoners besides in 
the place. I knelt do^m and said Amen to every good petition, 
but was silent when he prayed to saints and angels. When he 
had done I took the opportunity of pointing the dying man to 
'•'the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the v>-orld.''' 
The priest said "I should not ha^^e interfered." I said, "My 
dear sir, don't be displeased, every one should be willing to 
assist the dying." The man fastened his eyes on me. I 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



73 



directed him again, in Irish^ to Christ, and he showed so much 
earnestness that I was constrained to kneel down with the poor 
man again, and pour out my soul in prayer, in the Irish 
language, for his conversion. The man cried aloud for mercy ; 
I directed him again to Calvary, and he calmed down into 
peace of mind. The priest was confounded, but could not 
oppose.' Mr. Graham states, 'The man went to the drop with 
a firm step, and I trust he was in Abraham's bosom that very 
day.' This was the first trophy of the general mission labour, 
and a befitting one it v\^as, as a grand specimen of the power of 
Divine mercy, and to convince his servant that he was to despair 
of no case this side of the pit of perdition : and, oh ! what a 
triumph of the abounding grace of God over superstition and 
sin, was this instance of the possibility of a sinner of the deepest 
dye finding mercy. It was almost literally 

' Snatching the fire-brand from the flame 
And quenching it in the Saviour's blood. ' 

It was a marvellous victor}^ of grace. Everything would seem 
to forbid his going at all to the prison; but, oh ! the value of one 
human soul, and that on the brink of woe ! 

* To gain the world a soul is lost, 
What can that love explam ? 
More than the thousand worlds it cost 
One precious soul to gain.' 

Let others speak of deeds of moral valour, and of Christian 
sympathy, but this will compare with any I ever read of, 
knowing, as I do, the difiiculties of dealing (in Ireland espe- 
cially) with such a case, where the everlasting destiny of the 
spirit is infallibly bound up with the last rites of the Church of 
Rome ; although, strange to say, a person is never anointed 
who is to be executed, because not sick^ and not given up by 
the doctor. This is still more passing strange, when one con- 
siders that anointing or extreme unction^ is one of the seven 



74 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



sacraments indispensably necessary for salvation ! A case 
occurred in Sligo about that time, of a man who fell from the 
drop, the rope having broken, and he was greatly mangled. 
The priest then came and anointed him, because he was sick ; 
and yet, alas ! he was all safe if he had not fallen ! This speaks 
for itself, but 'the unjust knoweth no shame.' Encouraged by 
this prison scene, Mr. Graham took the street next day in Long- 
ford after public worship, and preached to a vast multitude. He 
describes the scene thus: — 'On Sabbath, the 21st of July 
1799, I resolved, in the strength of the Lord, to give my 
mission a full trial on the open street. I had a crowded 
congregation, a vast multitude. I took for my text, " For 
Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, 
that he might bring us to God." (i Peter iii. 18.) A more 
suitable text he could not take. He spoke in Irish and 
English, as he had a mixed multitude of Romanists and 
Protestants. The power of God descended, and he observes, 
' I think I never sav/ a congregation in a public street more 
affected — some bathed in tears, others kissing the ground, 
others smiting their breasts, others kneeling on the street. I 
hope it will be a day never to be forgotten.' This was surely 
a hopeful beginning, as the first attempt in this department of 
his general mission labour, for he was a general missionary all 
through. Yet it was very cheering to him to ha.ve these 
pledges that the hand of the Lord was in this appointment. 
The Rev. Mr. Reilly observes : — ' In the choice of the agents 
who were, in the first instance, selected for the undertaking, 
the Conference was evidently under Divine direction. And 
the tivie chosen for its commencement, while it evinced an 
a^rdent zeal and tender sympathy for those who were perishing, 
showed also "the v^dsdom from above." The land was wear}^ 
of hostility, and sickened by the sight of surrounding deso- 
lation. Indeed, the Irish, at all times disposed to attend to 
the preaching of the Gospel, when not terrified by alta.r denun- 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



75 



ciations, were at this time more particularly willing to listen 
to the invitations of Divine mercy and peace.' Mr. Wesley 
observes — ' What a nation is this ! Every man, woman, and 
child (except a few of the great vulgar), not only patiently but 
gladly suffer the word of exhortation.' In fact, the time^ the 
agents^ and the mode of their operation, w^ere all in keeping 
with Divine arrangement. As to the tijne^ the land, v/eary with 
projects^ just as it is now in 1868^ and fruitless in everything 
but disappointment and misery ! As it regarded the agents, 
especially Graham and Ouseley, they seemed to be chiselled by 
the hand of the Divine Lapidary from rough blocks of granite, 
meiitally^ morally, ^cad^ physically. As it regards their mode of 
labour, it was as wise as it was benevolent. They were not to 
be confined j they were to go ever)rwhere, and fill Ireland with 
their doctrine. They had nothing to do but ceaselessly cry, 
' Behold, behold the Lamb.' Their motto, in substance, may 
be well expressed in the following lines : — 

' Lord, if Thou didst Thyself inspire 
Our souls with this intense desire 

Thy goodness to proclaim, 
Thy glory if we now intend, 
O, may our deed begin and end 

Complete in Jesu's name. 

Not in the tombs we pine to dv/ell. 
Not in the dark monastic cell, 

By vows and grates confined ; 
Freely to all ourselves we give, 
Constrained by Jesu's love to live 

The servants of mankind. ' 

With those sentiments, Mr. Graham immediately prepared 
for and set out on his arduous mission. He first visited Sligo, 
where he was to meet Mr. Ouseley. This was close to his 
native place, which he had not seen for nine years. On his way he 
spoke to the Romanists in Irish. One of these fell on his 
knees on the open road, and cried aloud for mercy, which led 



76 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



Mr. Graham to record, ' that the Scriptures have a powerful 
effect when spoken m the Irish language;' and exclaims, 'Oh, 
that the Lord may raise up and send forth more labourers into 
this harvest field!' He entered the town from his native place 
on the 28th of July (Sabbath), as an ambassador with a com- 
mission higher than ever fell to an emiined judge or a crowned 
head. He felt a little reluctance at first to take the street, as 
it was so close to his former residence : but this feeling was 
only temporary, and vanished as gossamer before the wind. 
' I set my face,' says he, ' as flint, and conquered in the strength 
of Christ' He took his stand at the corner of two streets, to 
command both Church and Mass people. He was soon sur- 
rounded with what he calls 'a gazing, unthinking multitude.' 
He was interrupted for a few minutes, but order was soon 
restored, and he finished in peace. Many were well affected 
towards him, but on the follo^^ing Sabbath an attempt was 
made by a rabble mob to annoy him. The presence of some 
gentlemen kept them in check. He says, ' The opposition 
only roused my soul, and God enabled me, both in English 
and in Irish, to denounce the judgm.ents of heaven against 
impenitent sinners.' On the 29th, next day, he preached in a 
country place, where, twenty years before, he laboured as a 
local preacher, and where he had much fruit. On the 30th he 
preached in his native village, and had several Roman Catholics 
to hear him, whom he formerly knew. One woman cried 
aloud, and blest the day she ever heard a ]Methodist preacher. 
Next day he preached in his brother's house close by. He 
found this brother ^ striving to seek and seiwe the Lord.' Here 
he went from house to house, praying everywhere in both lan- 
guages. August 4th, he took the street again in Sligo, where 
he w^as annoyed at the commencement by the shrill noise of a 
pig, which some son of Belial held by the ear on purpose to 
annoy the preacher. When this was over, a soldier came 
forward, and began to bark like a dog. He was soon taken 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



77 



away, and confined to barracks, and allowed neither to bark 
or bite. Then an oyster-man came up, shouting at the pitch 
of his voice on behalf of his ' shell-wares.' Still Graham waited 
patiently, for he saw that earth and hell were resolved to baffle 
him ; but there he stood, 

* Firm as an iron pillar strong, 
And steadfast as a wall of brass. ' 

At last, when silence was restored, he appeared to be gifted and 
girded afresh for the conflict against sin, and earth, and hell ; 
and, by one of the most awful and powerful appeals ever 
brought to bear on head, and heart, and conscience, in the 
street, he literally thundered as from Mount Sinai on the 
solemnities of death, judgment, hell, and eternity. He himself 
says, and he never was accused of inflated statements, ' it bore 
down all before it' They would have listened to him until 
midnight, 'although,' says he, ^ earth and hell were stirred up 
at first against me.' He also remarks that ' many by this open 
air preaching will hear who otherwise would never hear at all.' 
The same observation was miade in a letter lately received by 
the author from one of the first noblemen in the land. It runs 
thus: — 'I thank you for your letter and annexed paper, and 
beg, in token of approval of missionary effort by out-door 
preaching, to enclose a donation in aid of the movement. The 
Gospel may thus be brought within the hearing of some who 
might otherwise never hear it.' A dignitary of the Church of 
England writes within the last few weeks (and in reference 
to the vindication of this practice at the late trial in Longford), 
— ' I would be glad to see the out-door triumphs of Wesley in 
England repeated in Ireland, when in every fair and public 
gathering the Gospel could be preached. Of course, Satan 
would howl, and his children rage, but the word of the Lord 
would not return void.' It is pleasing to know that the 7^ig/it of 
public open air preaching has been so fully vindicated at this 



78 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



late trial, at the spring assizes of Longford, March 1868, that 
the parties were convicted who opposed the preacher, by a most 
outrageous and murderous attack on his person, for merely- 
passing through the town of Granard, because he happened to 
preach there about two years before. 

On the 5th and 6th August, Mr. Graham went to the sea-side, 
and preached to the bathers who came there for healthful 
purposes affecting the body, but who now heard words whereby 
the soul, which is afflicted with a disease no human means can 
remedy, might be healed, and that by resorting to the 
river of the water of life, Svi thou t money and without price.' 
He says, ' Many Romanists heard the word, and wept under 
a deep concern for salvation.' Next day they brought to him 
a deranged woman, to see if he would cure her. He prayed 
with and for her ! She paid the greatest attention to what he 
said, and was remarkably quiet and friendly. Mr. Graham 
only remarks, ' I hope the Lord will restore her to her reason.' 
August nth. — This day may be regarded as a memorable one in 
the history of the Irish mission, as it was the Jirsf on which 
both those kindred spirits (Messrs. Graham and Ouseley) united 
in public, and in hallowed and honourable toil ! They may be 
called the giant missionaries, and princes in our Israel ! We 
may apply the word used in reference to Jonathan and David, 
' they were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death 
they were not divided' (in affection). 'They were swifter than 
eagles (on ministerial wing) ; they were stronger than lions ' 
(in strength divine). They repaired on Saturday evening, loth, 
to Riverstown — an old Methodist station ten miles from Sligo, 
a place often visited by Mr. Graham, during the years of his 
earlier career. He states, ' This place is like the garden of the 
Lord, and vv- ell watered by Methodist husbandmen, a holy and a 
happy people.' Mr. Graham preached on Saturday evening, and 
met the class on Sabbath morning, and had what he calls 'a melt- 
ing time.' As soon as the mass people came out, Mr. Ouseley at 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



79 



once got into their midst^ and commenced to preach in Irish. 
It appears the priest heard of their coming, and had his flock 
well warned. They resolved to give the black caps a warm 
receptio7t^ and the priest resolved to head them himself; but, 
Mr. Graham and some of the Methodists coming up at the 
moment, rather disconcerted the scheme. The priest then 
thought to get the people away altogether, but this also failed; 
and then and there these two worthies continued for about an 
hour and a half in alternate addresses, while many, from deep 
conviction of the truth, cried aloud, • // is the truth.'' ' I trust,' 
says Mr. Graham, 'they will never forget that day.' The two 
brethren rejoiced greatly 'according to the joy in harvest, and 
as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.' Thus cheered, as 
having triumphed over a wxll-designed priestly plot, they 
thanked God and took courage, and laboured away round that 
country for several days, and with marked success. On one of 
these days they met a number of Romanists coming from ' a 
pattern,' or holy well station. The people stood still, while 
these singular men — like Elijah and Elisha in their own way, 
and no two men ever appeared more like them in that country 
— addressed the pilgrims on the great subject of salvation by 
faith alone, and not by the deeds of the law, or human per- 
formances, mortifications, or penances. They were moved 
with compassion toward them, and regarded them as ' sheep 
having no shepherd.' 'The poor creatures,' says Mr. Graham, 
'fell on their knees, smote their breasts, and with uplifted 
hands and streaming eyes called on God. We directed them 
to a crucified and willing Saviour, powerful and present to save. 
One cried out, " what must I do ?" Others rushed forward, and 
such a scene of penitential sorrow as took place on the open 
road ! They would almost adore us, and we had hard work to 
prevent them from kissing our feet. After commending them to 
the grace of God, we moved closer to the well, and here the 
scenes of wonder rightly began.' The first aftected was a 



8o THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

hoary-headed sinner, who ran after them to the well. He 
called on all to hsten to the Gospel message; the people 
gathered round them, and one woman knelt behind until he 
had done. She cried piteously all the 'time, and so did the old 
man. They all Ustened as for life, and Mr. Graham hoped that 
their salvation began that very day, and that many of them 
would be saved at the last day. Already they might sing in 
the language of holy triumph : — 

* All thanks be to God, 

Who scatters abroad, 

Throughout every place. 
By the least of His servants, His savour of grace : 

Who the victory gave. 

The praise let Him have ; 

For the work He had done. 
All honour and glory to Jesus alone. ' 

Sabbath, i8th. — Mr. Graham writes, ^ Brother Ouseley and I 
went to Manor hamilton. I preached in the morning, and met 
the class, which was like the opening of heaven.' It was 
reported that these wayfaring men would preach in the street ! 
The priests took the alarm and went to the magistrate, who 
was also the minister of the parish, and stated that these men 
had come to town to put them out of their chapels. ' If that 
be so,' said the weak magisterial clergyman, 'they will put me 
out of my church, so I will order them to be taken up.' Mr. 
Graham heard of the dodge, and sent two confidential friends 
to inform him that the statements of the priests were false- 
hoods. However, neither priest, magistrate, or minister dared 
to interfere, for ' the common people heard them gladly ' in the 
open street. ' A good day,' says Mr. Graham, * from morning 
until night.' The Irish language was fully used in all that 
country, especially in the counties of Leitrim and Sligo. It 
was a powerful weapon in the hands of ' these ministers of 
flame.' It was so with the Hebrew language in St. Paul's time — 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



8l 



* And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to 
them, they kept the more silence.' — Acts xxii. 2. And still 
there are multitudes in those parts who would be glad to hear 
the word of life in their own loved language. In Thomas Walsh's 
time the people frequently rose en masse^ and said, after ' hear- 
ing in their own language the wonderful works of God,' * we 
will follow you all over the world.' It was equally so in the 
hands of those heaven-appointed messengers, and the people 
uttered again and again the same language to them. The 
following lines on preaching in the Irish language are highly 
appropriate here : — 

* Fail not to scatter wide the holy word 

In native seed, congenial to the soil, 
And fear not for the blessing of the Lord, 

Who will not render void thy faithful toil ; 
And soon, oh, soon shall Erin's fertile field 
A rich return, a glorious harvest yield.' 

Never, perhaps, in the same space of time, or by any two men, 
was a larger portion of this native seed of Divine truth scattered 
in any country or in any language than by those two men, 
especially by Graham, who had been at least sixteen years pro- 
claiming it before Mr. Ouseley began at all. On the 21st 
they attended a funeral, and taking advantage of the church- 
yard, they preached to a multitude, who heard with profound 
attention. 'It was a great day.' At the evening service the 
power of the Highest overshadowed the assembly. On the 21st 
'Mr. Ouseley was assailed,' says Mr. Graham, 'by a spouti7ig 
controversialist of some Romish order — a poor, conceited sin- 
ner — but he soon was foiled and disappointed ; then he strove 
to prevent the people from attending, but all in vain. They, 
poor creatures, flocked to hear us, and entreated us to return 
to them speedily ; they were nearly all Romanists.' On the 
22nd they went to the country again. Graham preached from 
Hebrews vi. 12, ' That ye be not slothful, but followers of them 

F 



82 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



who through faith and patience inherit the promises.' He had 
great power ; but while Mr. Ouseley prayed, the heavens were 
opened, and ' there was a noise and a shaking among the dry 
bones.' It was a remarkable night, and they came home weary 
in body, but not of their hallowed work. Now, in incessant 
labour, day after day, and night after night, Mr. Graham uses 
those words, a truth unknown to worldly minds — 

' Labour is rest, and pain is sweet, 
If thou, my God, art here.' 

On the 23rd they went to a village close to the town, spoke to 
the Romanist^ by the way, but they were again attacked by 
what Graham calls ' a blaspheming Rabshekah. He cursed 
and damned, and offered all manner of insult, and would lay 
violent hands on us if he dare ; ' but they bore it in the spirit 
of David, when assailed by Shimei, saying, ' It was the Lord 
permitted the tongue of slander to be let loose upon us for 
having so long refrained from publicly proclaiming Christ' He 
told Mr. Ouseley that if he had a book, he would swear that 
there was neither God or devil, heaven or hell. Graham 
exclaim.s, ^O Lord, what is man!' On the 25th, however, 
they were well rewarded for all this reproach, which, perhaps, pre- 
pared them the better to bear it. On this day, Sunday, they 
took their stand at the old Market-house in Sligo, then situated 
in Market Street, where our excellent friend, T. W., has nov/ 
a nrst-rate house of business. Here they spent a full hour and 
half in proclaiming to a listening and deeply attentive multi- 
tude ^the unsearchable riches of Christ' A gentleman who 
lived opposite was so deeply affected, that he came over and 
invited them to make his house their home. Many were ena- 
bled that day to distinguish the difference between the for7n 
and the power of godliness. Graham wites, under this date, 
^ I was determined to hurl the artillery of heaven against the 
devil's kingdom. Persecution' says he, * never intimidates me, 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY, 



83 



but fear sometimes does. Mr. Ouseley took his stand the day 
before, Saturday, among the fish-women in the open street, on 
which Mr. Graham remarks — came forward to assist him, 
and was now dehvered from that cursed shame which has long 
pursued mxe.' One would think that he was a perfect stranger 
to such sensibilities, but he had 4ike passions with us.' 

Monday, 26th. — Mr. Graham preached again at the Market- 
house from Heb. xiii. 9, ^ For it is a good thing for the heart to 
be established with grace.' Here he says, he found many 
people tossed about by Calvinism and Antinomianism, but the 
Lord carried on his work in spite of all opposition from every 
quarter. With gratitude he exclaims, ' Glory to God ; wherever 
I turn in this country I find some of the fruits of my first 
labours twenty-six years ago!' Ouseley waxed stronger and 
stronger. His arguments in Irish with Romanists were irresistible. 
Graham observes here, had faith to believe that all the 
devils in hell, or all the powers on earth, would not be able to 
keep back the people fi*om hearing us. This faith was tried 
powerfully in a day or two after. On the Sabbath, Mr. Ouseley 
stood at the market-place, and I accompanied him.' It 
appears the priests anticipated their coming, and had a great 
scheme formed to frustrate the preaching of ' the black caps,' 
as the two missionaries were called. A vast crowd assembled, 
and were attentive while Graham spoke from Prov. xv. 29, but 
when Ouseley began it was the signal for a general shout The 
mob tied old kettles to the tails of dogs, and hunted them 
through the streets, making a frightful noise. Ouseley had to 
desist, but this only roused Graham, and up he stood, and 
with stentorian voice shouted, ' It is all in vain for the sons of 
Belial to endeavour by such means to uphold the devil's 
kingdom, for the Lord Jesus has resolved on its ruin, and 
down it must come.' Silence immediately ensued, and although 
a few raged, the people listened attentively, and they were 
allowed to finish in peace, by prayer and the benediction. 



84 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



Surely we may well say after this, that ' the righteous are as 
bold as a lion ; ' and with the poet we cheerfully, and believingly, 
and hopefully sing — 

' Truth crushed to earth will rise again, 
The eternal years of God are hers ; 
While error wounded, writhes in pain, 
And dies amidst her worshippers.' 

The week following the Sabbath's street service was marked 
by signs of good. The chapel could not hold all that came 
each night to hear. Careless Protestants and backsliding 
Methodists were all roused. The missionaries attended a 
funeral next day of a Roman Catholic. Here they had a fine 
opportunity for preaching in Irish and English. Such a scene 
as that grave-yard presented ! Several began to cry over then- 
dead, and the women knelt at the graves and cried with, a bitter 
lamentation. Ouseley fell on his knees ^Wth them, and began 
to pray in Irish. The people thought some wonderful thing 
was about to take place, perhaps that the end of the world was 
coming quickly : others thought it must be some token of good 
from God. ' How long, O Lord ! ' After this, there was a 
conspiracy devised by the soldiers and the base Romanists to 
murder the preachers the next time they appeared in the street 
to preach. The plan was this — they were to meet on the 
outskirt of the crowd, and in one body make a desperate rush, 
and by force bear all before them, tumble the preachers, and 
tramp them to death. They met accordingly, but Graham 
observed their movements, and quickly took Ouseley by the 
hand and quietly walked off. One of the officers was in the 
secret of the plot, and was to attend and protect them, but he did 
not appear at all. It was likely to cost him the loss of his 
commission, and the soldiers were likely to be punished ! 
Thus the two brethren laboured in and around Sligo for about six 
weeks, * warning every m.an, and teaching every man publicly, 



TKE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



85 



and from house to house,' and glorious signs followed in con- 
versions of members of all churches. The Sligo circuit return 
showed an increase of about 200 members after this. Mr. 
Ouseley was now fully free from all temporal concerns, and those 
two companions in labour, started off for Collooney, Ballymote, 
Boyle, and all the towns around. The Romanists flocked to 
hear them in all directions, and several renounced the Church 
of Rome altogether ; in fact, it was one continued stream of 
divine influence following in every direction. Wherever they 
went the Lord worked with them. In Boyle they met with 
stem resistance. Even the army officers behaved most 
infamously ; for they encouraged the mob to throw rotten eggs 
and other offensive missiles. Here also they encountered a 
great controversialist of the Church of Rome, a Scapularian ; 
but when he became impertinent they refused to argue with 
hinL The Romanists then called Graham ^ the old devil j ' and 
Ouseley ^the young devil,' and 'the son of the old fellow.' 
Here also the Established Church minister opposed them. 
But these things moved them not. Opposition rather inspired 
them afresh with greater faith and more fervency in prayer, and 
more signal triumphs and victories awaited them in other 
places. At this time, they wrote a joint-letter to Dr. Coke, 
dated October 10, 1799.^ In it they say — 

* The enemy's kingdom is falling before iis. The Roman Catholics are 
exceedingly affected in every place. We are preaching in the streets, in the 
markets, and by the highway. We preached lately in Jamestown, beyond 
Carrick-on- Shannon, to the largest congregation we ever beheld. They 
wept in numbers on every hand. Also at Mohill and Longford markets, 
we spoke three times in the open air in one day. [I suppose in different 
parts of the town. ] The Lord is with us of a truth, 

' Chas. Graham. 
* Gideon Ouseley. 

* To the Rev. Dr. Coke: 

As the Doctor took such an interest in this mission, and in 
everything Irish, perhaps I could not find a better place to 



86 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



introduce the first interview which the Rev. Matthew Lanktree 
had with him, than here. His record is — ' Early this summer 
I commenced my acquaintance with that eminent man of God, 
Dr. Coke. He greatly edified me by his public ministry, and 
greatly delighted me by his amiable manners; he preached 
firom Psalm xlviii. 31, "Ethiopia shall soon stretch forth her 
hands unto the Lord." Ethiopia he described as representing the 
whole sable race of Africa. By " stretching out her hands unto 
God," he understood to mean, her lamenting her moral and 
degraded condition, and imploriiig redress from God's righteous 
administration ; but especially did it mean, her seeking with 
earnestness the blessings of Gospel salvation. He quoted Gen. 
ix. 25, 26, 27 — " Cursed be Canaan j a servant of servants shall 
he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the Lord 
God of Shem ; and Canaan shall be his sei*vant. And God 
shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem ; 
and Canaan shall be his servant." " Cursed be Canaan," the 
fourth son of Ham, must be a prediction of the future wicked- 
ness of his descendants, the Canaanites, whom the curse over- 
took in the most awful manner. " A servant of servants," this 
destiny for ages, and even such in what was called free-born 
America and the British colonies ! Poor Africa ! " Blessed be 
the Lord God of She?n ; and Canaan shall be his servant" 
He considered that America was peopled from Asia by the 
decendants of Shem, to whom the unfortunate blacks, the race 
of Ham, became slaves, and slavery which Mr. Wesley called 
the sum of all villainy." God shall enlm^ge Japheth," whom 
he persuaded to emigrate to Europe (and had a numerous 
family in Asia Minor). " And he shall dwell in the te7its of 
Shem ; " that is, God shall dwell as He did among the Jews, in 
tents. The tabernacle and temple, and finally Canaan himself 
shall be His (that is, the Lord's) serv^ant Thus Japheth 
means Europe ; Shem, Asia and America ; and Ham and 
Canaan, denote Africa.' Ingenious enough. The doctor and 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



87 



the nobie band of missionaries did more to melt the chains of 
slavery than either a Clarkson, a Buxton, or a Wilberforce. 

* O, 'tis a godlike privilege to save, 
And he that scorns it is himself a slave ; 
Inform the mind, one beam of heavenly day- 
Would heal the heart, and melt the chams away. ' 

Mr. Graham writes to his son in Dublin, from Tullamore, 
shortly after he wrote to Doctor Coke. In it he says — 

* The devil's kingdom is falling before us. "\Ve preached yesterday to a 
crowd of hardened sinners, but they gave us a patient hearing. We are 
now become fah' and market men. This is the most effectual way which 
has ever been devised to spread the Gospel. We do more in spreading 
truth in one fair or market day, than we could in weeks or months in private 
houses. In some markets the cries and tears of the people are enough 
to rend the heavens. Whatever I could say on this subject would fall far 
short of what it is in reality, and will appear more and more. ' 

After this, Graham and Ouseley proceeded to Dublin to meet 
Dr. Coke, and came round by Balbriggan, Drogheda, Ardee, 
the Poles, Bailieborough, Kingscourt, Cavan, Killeshandra, 
Belturbet, and back to Sligo. An extract from another letter 
to Dr. Coke, just after they arrived in Sligo, will best describe 
this tour. It is dated Sligo, Nov. 1799. 

'We have come to Sligo (their families being there), and all glorv^o God, 
we have had a blessed time of it. The power of the Lord attended us 
wherever we came, which confirms us more and more that the Lord has 
called us to this glorious work. At Balbriggan the Catholics attended 
night and day. One woman cried aloud for mercy, and found it. We 
preached on the street, and had a patient and a profitable hearing. A man 
cried out, " Every parish in Ireland would want two such men." We took 
the street in Drogheda, and were summoned to appear before the magistrate ; 
but he ordered us to get the Tholsel, or Sessions Room (To^\^l Hall), and he 
came himself, and brought the sheriff with him to hear us, and also a Church 
of England minister. We had a vast congregation of Catholics, who 
seemed to be greatly impressed. Both of us spoke at the meeting, and the 
Lord blessed the word very greatly to many. After the service the 
magistrate told one of our friends, that we * ' might preach whenever and 



88 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



wherever we pleased. " We were men greatly wondered at by the people 
of Drogheda. In Ardee the Catholics wept aloud in the open street, and 
clapping their hands inquired, ** what they should do to be saved ?" The 
Gospel was indeed the power of God to the salvation " of many that day. 
At the Poles near Kingscourt, the heavens were opened unto us. At 
Kingscourt the Catholics and all were powerfully affected. At Bailie - 
borough we attacked the devil's kingdom at once. The poor Methodists 
were alarmed, having never seen mission work on that fashion ; but they 
had their eyes opened very soon. One girl said, " the day of judgment was 
coming." The word of the Lord like thunder awoke many, and one 
Catholic woman found peace with God. Next night, two more shed tears 
like the pouring out of water. We came to Cavan sounding the Gospel - 
trumpet all the way. It was a fair-day. We were as wet as we could be, 
but neither of us dried or refreshed ourselves until we preached in the fair. 
A lady who saw us through her window wept all the time. The people 
remained uncovered all through in the rain, and were bathed in tears. 
They entreated us to preach that night again in the court-house, and they 
would come and hear, which we did. We also visited the prisoners in the 
jail. One was in for murder and robbery, a fine-looking young man, and a 
respectable Protestant. Our hearts clung to him, and both he and several 
others cried aloud for mercy. The servant-maid, where we lodged at Mr. 
Smith's, found salvation, and the whole town was moved. At Killeshandra 
the effects of the street preaching were amazing, and the cry of the vast 
multitude was raised in the publican's petition, "God be merciful," &c. 
It was a great day for the poor Catholics. 

*C. Graham.' 

From Graham's journal papers we have a continuation of 
this tour, and of the marvellous scenes which took place from 
day to day. From Killeshandra they went to Mr. Martin's, 
within a few miles of the town. Here the whole neighbourhood 
was moved, and even the preacher on the circuit was over- 
whelmed with wonder, having never witnessed such power from 
on high. At Belturbet they met with a hard attack from the 
enemy. It appears they stood close to the door of a public 
house. The wife of the publican, whom Mr. Graham calls ' a 
Jezebel,' fearing their ^ craft was in danger,' went up to her 
window and cried, ^ False prophets — it was foretold they 
should come in the last days. ' When this did not lead them to 
desist, she sent for a constable to remove them, but he * feared 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



89 



the people/ who were so numerous and so attentive. So the 
two missionaries had the opportunity of denouncing the sins 
both of drunkenness and of covetousness tremendously, the 
latter of which, they said, caused Judas to sell his Master. 
The foolish and wicked woman was confounded. How 
characteristically does Cowper describe such a case — 

* Ambition, avarice, and the lust of fame. 
And woman, lovely woman, does the same ; 
The heart surrendered to the ruling power 
Of some ungovemed passion every hour. ' 

Thence they came to a place close by, where they were 
received as * angels of light,' and where a Roman Catholic 
manifested the most astonishing concern about his soul's eternal 
interests, and entreated these men of God to bless him, and 
said if they did, he would be blessed. Mr. Graham merely 
devoutly exclaims, ' Blessed God, open the eyes of these poor 
creatures, and let them know the truth as it is in Jesus.' 
From this place they went to Sligo, as we have seen. After 
resting a few days with their families, they started again for 
another tour northwards, to Bally shannon, Enniskillen, Pettigo, 
Ballinamallard, &c. But his own words to Dr. Coke will 
explain it better than any language of mine. He says — 

* We spent the last month (December 1799) in the North, and met with 
no opposition, although we preached on the streets. The poor, the rich, 
the learned, listened with astonishment. We denounced the judgments of 
heaven against the sins of the day. The Catholics attended from place to 
place in spite of all entreaty by their priests. The fame of the Irzs/i 
preaching had spread through all the country. Numbers of cases of 
conviction and conversion took place. We were astonished. In Ballintra 
the place was too small, so we had to go from house to house. The people 
crying everywhere aloud for mercy. We went to Pettigo, not far from 
Lough Derg. [I wonder they did not visit the Pilgrim's Island, where poor 
Bartley Campbell found the mercy of God.] Here we took the street. 
This was a blessed day. The Catholics were greatly struck, and followed 
us night and morning. We came on to Ballinamallard and Enniskillen, 
Avhere the power of the Lord attended us in both places, in public and 



90 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

private. The meetings lasted some nights for five and others for six hours, 
until we were literally woni out. We can give but an imperfect account of 
the work. Two Catholic girls found peace with God in Sydare ; and on 
last Monday night, several souls were brought to God. As soon as we 
recover we shall go to the North again. O Lord our God, strengthen 
Thy poor servants for this great work." — Yours, &c., 

* Charles Graham. 

* g. ouseley.' 

Thus ends the first half-year of this wonderful missionary toil 
and success ! For it we glorify God in His servants ! The 
above letters and records are, however, but the merest outline of 
the papers w^hich fully describe their herculean efforts. The 
rocks and glens which had reverberated the clangour of arms, 
and the cannon's roar, now echoed the joyful sound of an 
evangelical jubilee. The very streets which had been deluged 
with human blood, were now refreshed with streams from the 
life-giving fountain of water divine. ^ If ever,' says the Rev. 
W. Reilly, ' Ireland is to be regenerated, there must arise a 
succession of noble spirits, inspired with the zeal that glowed 
in the bosoms of Walsh, Graham, and Ouseley, to go forth to the 
streets and public places, to the fields and highways, to persuade 
sinners to be reconciled to God.'" 

The labours of this half-year would supply one of the 
richest chapters of evangelism which, perhaps, ever blessed the 
world since the days of the apostles, and yet it only supplies a 
specimen of what is to follow for the next five years and a 
half, during which those ' Boanerges ' laboured together. We 
must not, however, confine our attention altogether to the 
labours of Graham and Ouseley, even during this period. 

The Soiif/i was visited as well On the southern district, the 
Rev. James M'Quigg laboured with great success, which the 
following extract from his letter to Dr. Coke will fully estab- 
lish :— 

* In the beginning of August 1 799, I made my first trial as a missionary 
in Bandon. I stood under a tree, and a large number of people came 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



91 



around me. Some admired the Irish, and others were in tears, crying to 
the Lord for mercy. The next time I had many of the Caithness soldiers 
to hear, who did not understand English well, but they were greatly affected 
when I spoke in the Erse dialect. Good was done. I afterwards went to 
Innishannon, and preached to a multitude in the street. With many of 
them I conversed afterwards, and they declared they would come to hear 
me whenever I came, especially if I preached in Irish. The name of Jesus 
was precious to them. In Macroom, fifteen miles west of Bandon, I 
preached to a large congregation in the Court-house. One young soldier 
wept incessantly, and while listening to the Word, felt it to be " the power 
of God " to his salvation. He was a Carmelite. In Cork I preached four 
times in Irish, twice on Barrack Hill. I had thousands to hear, who were 
not only attentive, but bathed in tears. W^hen I was leaving them they 
cried aloud to God for blessings to rest on me. In Youghal I preached 
three days on the quay to thousands, who fell on their knees in the wet 
street, and some followed me through the street for advice, declaring that 
they had an awful sense of their sinfulness since they heard me preach. I 
conversed with a learned Catholic in Youghal very pleasingly. He seems 
anxious for truth. I feel much gratitude to the magistrates and inhabitants 
of Youghal. In Newtownbarry many of the Roman Catholics came to the 
preaching-house. Half of the congregation were of that persuasion, and 
when the Protestants left, they rem.ained to shake hands with me and to 
bless me. Our friends besought me to come here again. 

* James M'Quigg.' 

The following short extract is from a letter by Mr. Tydd, of 
Cloughjordan, to the Rev, Mr. Averell : — 

* Mr. Macklin informs me that Messrs. Graham and Ouseley were at his 
house. The Catholics flocked to hear them from place to place. They 
preach on horseback in the fairs and markets.' 

This reference is to the first half-year's labours, as it is dated 
' October 22nd, 1799,' and alludes to their work when on their 
way to Dublin to meet Doctor Coke. In compliance with 
what he states, ' I have made it a rule that the Irish Mission- 
aries shall spend some time with me when I visit Ireland. The 
last time they spent about a fortnight with me. — T. C 

I must reluctantly refrain from giving any further extracts 
here from Mr. Graham's journal, in reference to his work during 
the following three months, although there are passages which 



92 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



abound in singular displays of Divine power. These two 
' labourers in their Master's cause ' travelled through nearly all 
the circuits of the North, which took them about three months 
to accomplish, from January 1800, until April following. In 
lieu of those extracts, I can only give the letter which they 
wrote to Doctor Coke after their return, dated — 

* Sligo, April 6, 1800. 
* We have now returned to Sligo after travelling all the circuits in the 
North of Ireland, and all glory to God, our labours have been crowned 
with great success. The fire of the Lord has attended us wherever we 
came, and His fear fell upon the people. We have preached to thousands 
in the open streets and in the fields, in the fairs and markets, and in the 
principal towns of the North. Numbers of Catholics have been awakened, 
and many of them converted, especially at Clones, Brookborough, Ballina- 
mallard, and their respective neighbourhoods. We can give you but a very 
imperfect account of this great work ; but if you are spared to come to this 
kingdom, the preachers from their different circuits will be able to satisfy 
you fully as to what we now relate. All glory tO' God, the harvest is great. 
It was not in our power to spend half as much time with the poor Catholics 
as they required, though we spent three months in our last tour. We are 
come home to rest a little, but I think our stay will be very short. Nor can 
we, with a good conscience, rest while so many thousands are now willing 
to hear, and are perishing for lack of knowledge. It is a wonder, indeed, 
how we have been sustained under such great labours and exertions. The 
preachers and people thought it impossible that we could hold out, having 
not only the labours of the streets and fields, but a revival almoSt in every 
part, which keeps us preaching, exhorting, and praying for hours. But still 
we are alive and resolved to go on with our glorious work. At Newtown - 
Stewart we preached a little out of the town, and numbers out of the fair 
came to hear us. Many of the poor Catholics, bathed in tears, came forward 
to shake hands with us, entreating us, according to the custom of their 
priests, to lay our hands upon them and bless them. 

*C. Graham, 

*G. OUSELEY.' 

I must glance at the journals for the quarter following this 
period, as I have no directer means of affording information of 
how it was spent They resolved on removing their families 
from Sligo to Clones. They had spent a large amount of 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



93 



labour in the neighbourhood of SHgo, but a wider field had now 
opened up to them in the County Monaghan, and they thought 
Clones a better centre. Before they left Sligo, however, Mr. 
Ouseley resolved to make one grand charge on the Church of 
Rome, which all through Hfe he regarded as ^ the dire Apostacy,' 
and he seemed to be raised up Hke another Luther to wage 
war with it, until the last gasp. Mr. Graham writes — 'We 
determined to make another trial in the street, although the 
priest commanded great power, in preventing the Catholics 
from hearing us ; yet, on this occasion, contrary to our expecta- 
tion, we were attended with a crowd of the Catholics, who stood 
quietly while Brother Ouseley proved to them that they were 
deceived, and had not the doctrines preached by Saint Paul in 
his Epistle to the Romans ; and that their priests were blind 
guides, and false prophets, and knaves, and took their money, 
but did them no good. I exhorted after him, not minding 
sects or parties, but directed them at once to turn away their 
attention from creeds, and from church and chapel walls, and 
to look to Him who could alone grant them what they all 
wanted, " real happiness which could only be found by faith in 
Christ. They heard with deep attention, and the power of the 
Lord attended the word. The hearts of many were melted, 
which also proved a blessing to my own soul. I am now about 
to leave my native county again, and I have strong hopes that 
the devil's strongholds will be broken down even here.' 

This ends their labour for the present in the town and 
neighbourhood of Sligo, for which they prayed, and laboured, 
and hoped, and wept so much. 

Mr. Graham states that he set out May i, 1800, with his 
family from Sligo, on his way to Clones. He preached in 
Manorhamilton the first night. He states, God made the 
service a blessing to himself as well as to others ; and on the 
next night he preached also, which was a time of breaking 
down. All the people were in tears. On the 3rd of May he 



94 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



arrived in Clones. It was Saturday, and he felt much fatigued 
with his journey ; but on next day, the Sabbath, he went to 
the Market-house, and there proclaimed, as formerly, the un- 
searchable riches of Christ. He states, ' some souls were set at 
liberty.' The work begun here before had not declined, although 
the priest was hard at work to undo what was done among the 
Romanists. The good work was very deeply grounded among 
the Methodists, and likely to spread far and wide. Now we 
find him starting out afresh. He went next day to the fair of 
Roslea, and felt the need of Mr. Ouseley, who had not yet 
arrived from Sligo. But the Lord stood by him, and although 
the place had a bad name, the people gave him a very attentive 
hearing. Many hearts were melted, and a wonderful reforma- 
tion took place, even in a change from cursing, swearing, 
drunkenness, and lying. This was a place where Satan had 
his seat, and many subjects — a place ^ where dragons lay,' as 
Graham expresses it, 'but now it begins to grow grass with 
reeds and rushes.' The Catholics followed him that evening 
to Mr. Whitley's, where they had to stand outside for want of 
room. They came again next morning, and a revival com- 
menced, in which the kind family participated largely, and 
many of the Catholics went home broken-hearted. He prays — 
'O Lord, carry on this glorious work.' 

Next day he met Mr. Ouseley, who had arrived from Sligo, 
Avith Mrs. Ouseley. The foUoAving day they proceeded to 
Smithborough, scarcely allowing themselves a day to rest. 
Numbers flocked from different quarters. The heavens were 
opened, and showers of blessing descended in rich abundance. 
They met several Catholics coming from mass, whom they 
addressed, when many were convinced of all and judged of all 
on the spot. In the evening they preached at a Mr. Mitchell's. 
Here they had many seceders, who, Graham states, 'had 
been preached to death by long harangues.' It was ploughing 
on the rocks for a considerable time, but before they concluded 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



95 



the Lord touched many hearts. He observes on this, 7^<?were 
far better than one.' 

Graham expresses that he felt great lonehness during the 
few days Ouseley and himself were separated. Mr. Ouseley 
stood the street in Shgo on the Sabbath after Mr. Graham left, 
Mr. Banks, the Sligo superintendent, assisting, and preached 
to an attentive congregation. Graham expresses his gratitude 
to God for the success of his dear brother Ouseley thus, ' Blessed 
be God that we have encouragement to go back to Sligo again, 
notwithstanding all the priest has done — namely, his very 
worst — to keep his people from hearing ; but neither men nor 
devils can prevent them now.' He also states, ' Mr. Ouseley 
preached in Lisbellaw on his way from Sligo, and God set 
some souls at liberty, and at Maguiresbridge also he preached 
to a mixed multitude.' never knew,' says he again, ' such a 
desire for hearing, we have now more invitations than we can 
attend to.' 

From Smithborough they went to the Monaghan market. 
The people ran with eagerness to hear them, as if there had 
been a famine of the Word in the land. Some appeared to be 
stunned, some bathed in tears, but some of the clergy strove to 
keep up their courage by laughing at the solemn scene, like 
the school-boy, when passing the church-yard by night, 
'whistling to keep their courage up.' Their countenances, 
however, soon changed, for ' the Word of the Lord was with 
power,' and bore down all before it. 'The Catholics,' Graham 
writes, 'ran after us, inquiring "when would we come again?" 
All the priest's curses or threatenings are insufficient to prevent 
their attendance.' The impressions of the former visit were 
not effaced. God gave them the hearts of this people, and they 
were willing to follow them anywhere. Again, next day, in 
Smithborough, we find them preaching to a mixed multitude of 
Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Seceders, and Roman Catholics. 
Before the meeting closed the rocks began to rend, and when 



96 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



they went into the house they could not be heard on account 
of the loud and bitter wail of distress and anguish of spirit. 
The Lord wounded and healed, broke down and built up. 
Many witnessed that day for Christ that He had ^ power on 
earth to forgive sins.' Mr. Graham quaintly observes, doubt 
not but we have left enough for priests and ministers to do for 
awhile. These have been stumbling-blocks, for one of them 
challenged a Methodist preacher to dispute the subject of the 
decrees — they have other subjects to dispute about now — a great 
number have been truly converted to God.' They next pro- 
ceeded to Newbliss, where, in the market, many were cut to 
the heart, and found it to be the best market they ever attended. 
Next day they went to the market of Clones, where they had 
from a thousand to fifteen hundred to hear, and the Spirit's 
'two-edged sword' did great execution. They thundered the 
law from Mount Sinai; the people trembled, and the devil's 
strongest snares were broken. The priests were losing their 
power. Then to Newbliss again, where the scene was on the 
most marvellous scale. Young and old, husbands and wives, 
rejoicing together as having 'found peace with God.' Not a 
word now about purgatory or unconditional election, things 
debated hard before in all this country ! A young man heard 
them, and conversed with them, who was preparing for the 
Roman Catholic priesthood. He now declared he believed 
the Methodist doctrines, 'and I trust,' says Mr. Graham, 'he 
will never read a Latin mass.' At Cootehill the sensations 
among the Romanists amounted to a complete moral revolution; 
anxious to get liberty^ and yet afraid of the power of caste, 
and several of them, too, in 'orders.' They were convinced of 
their errors, and did not know^ what to do. Mr. Graham prays 
for them, and says, 'from such bondage, good Lord deliver 
them.' At Ballybay the priest got behind them in a window, 
and heard his system exposed, and his people w^arned 
against it They followed the preachers out of the fair in order 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



97 



to get more light They told the people that their religion was 
*a religion of money and not of mercy.' Thence they both 
went to Rockcurry, where they had about fifteen hundred to 
hear. Such numbers made them tremble. Graham exclaims, 
^ Lord, what am I ? a helpless creature ! O Lord, give me 
wisdom and power. The work is thine, and worthy of Thee.' 
A young, half-drunken gentleman gave some annoyance, but 
soon withdrew. No marvel that when the devil's kingdom is 
in danger, he is always sure to send some of his servants to 
prop it up. It was then tottering all round that country. Next 
morning a woman who was ' struck ' the day before in the 
street, was set at liberty through believing in Jesus. Her hus- 
band also was struck do\vn, as well as many others. The 
preachers then left for Cootehill. Here they obtained the 
Presbyterian Meeting-house, and had several Dissenting 
ministers to hear. They also preached the next morning, 
when many were alarmed. Thence they went to Cavan, where 
they had a crowd, and many of the Tipperary^ militia, who 
heard with astonishment, being mostly Roman Catholics. The 
Lord sent home His word with power to many hearts. It was 
a good time to all. In the evening they preached again 
when they had both to reprove and encourage. Some soldiers 
behaved badly, but the rest heard gladly. Writing of this, Mr. 
Graham says, ' It is impossible for me to give a full account 
of this great work now going on ; and here I must confess 
that anything to equal the conversions from Romanism I 
scarcely ever read of, and all of a most marvellous type.' 

I shall not proceed with any further details from the journal 
now, lest I might weary the reader. I will finish the record of 
this year's labours in the next chapter, and here give an extract 
from a letter written by Mr. Graham to Dr. Coke, dated Clones, 
June 28, 1800: — 

* Could we attend to all the invitations we have fron? different places in 
the countr}^, I know not when we should leave it, for such a call for 

G 



gS THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM. 

preaching I have never known, nor such crowds to attend it. The whole 
country is in a flame. The Lord is truly doing great things, and those who 
are eye and ear witnesses must conclude that some great event is hkely to 
take place ; such an outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication I have 
never witnessed before, * Charles Graham.* 

Thus they now arrive within a few wrecks of the first Con- 
ference year of this marvellous general mission enterprise, the 
success of which fully justified the appointment It was one 
continued stream of labour, and of almost uninterrupted health, 
and of equal prosperity. Those two apostolic men, although 
in some things very dissimilar in their natural temperaments 
and gifts, yet never had they a word in the way of a misunder- 
standing. ' Each esteemed the other better than themselves,' 
and rejoiced in each other's success. They could truly sing 
with melody in tlieir hearts to the Lord — 

* Still may we to our centre tend, 
To spread Thy praise our common end — 

To help each other on : 
Companions through the wilderness^ 
To share a moment'^Jjain, and seize 
An everlasting croMSTi." 



IX. 



* Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might ; for there is 
no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither 

thougoest.' — ECCLESIASTES ix. 10. 

* Some high or humble enterprise of good 
Contemplate, till it shall possess thy mind, 
Become thy study, pastime, rest, and food. 
And kindle in thy heart a flame refined. 
Pray heaven for firmness thy whole soul to bind 
•■ To this thy purpose — to begin, pursue*, 

With thoughts all fixed, and feelings purely kind ; 
Strength to complete, and with delight re^iew, 
And grace to give the praise where all is ever due. 

Rouse to some work of pure and holy love. 
And thou an angel's happiness shalt laiow, — 
Shalt bless the earth, while in the world above, 
The good begun by thee shall onward flow 
In many a branching stream, and -wider grow. 
The seed that in these few and fleeting hours 
Thy hands unsparing and imwearied sow, 
Shall deck thy grave with amaranthine flowers, 
And yield the fruits divine in heaven's immortal bowers.' 

Carlos Wilcox. 
The American Cowper, 



CHAPTER IX. 



JULY 1800. 

Labours and journals from the end of june until Conference, 
— Also at Conference.— Returns from Conference. — Very 
remarkable success in several places. — arrives in clones. 
— Sets out again. — Visits Kilmore.— Opposed in Clones by 

THE magisterial CLERGYMAN.— AlSO THE CAPTAIN OF THE 
MILITIA. — CaSTLEBLANEY.— KeADY. — MONAGHAN. — PREACHES TO 

A v^edding party. — Hopeful results. — Six weeks' tour 

THROUGH THE NORTH. — GoOD WORK IN THE SoUTH. — LETTER 

FROM Messrs. Kane and Webb to Dr. Coke. — Also from Mr. 
M'QuiGG. — Persecution in Clones. — Popularity of the mis- 
sionaries IN consequence. — Their VISITS to Caledon, Charle- 

MONT, LOUGHGALL, ARMAGH, AND OTHER PLACES. — EXTRACTS 
FROM THEIR LETTERS, OCTOBER TO DECEMBER. — Mr. GrAHAM'S 
* LICENSE' TO PREACH.— Close OF THE half-year's LABOURS. 

N the last chapter we brought down the labours of the 
self-denying missionaries to the 28th of June, and 
here it may be interesting to record the mode of 
their journey ings to Conference, and their preparation for it, 
which was anything but rest for either body or mind. As one 
remarked- — 

* They scorned their feeble flesh to spare, 
Regardless of their swift decline.^ 

On the 8th of July we find them at Belturbet, preaching in the 
Market-house to a large congregation, among whom was a con- 
siderable sprinkling of ladies and gentlemen, many of whom 
felt the power of the Word. They were much astonished to 




THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



101 



hear the cries of the people for mercy, and said, these mission- 
aries were good men, and a great blessing to the country. But 
how hard for the rich to be fully decided for God. A Love 
Feast followed ; many strangers remained at it for the first time 
in their lives. Many were converted that day. Next day they 
preached at Ballyhaise. Many Catholics were cut to the heart, 
and some justified. It was said to be the greatest day that 
town ever saw. They next proceeded to Clones, and took the 
market, as they thought it might be their last day in that place, 
as it was probable they would be changed at the Conference. 
Many were constrained to cry out for mercy. These they 
brought to the preaching-house, where the Lord set many of 
them at liberty, and some Romanists among the number. They 
preached on July 12th to a vast multitude of Orangemen, who, 
instead of spending the evening as formerly in drinking parties, 
came now to hear the sound of the Gospel trumpet, and con- 
ducted themselves with the greatest propriety. ' Love worketh 
no ill to his neighbour.' 

The last Sabbath before Conference (July 13th) they preached 
in the country in the morning, and had a time of rich refresh- 
ing, numbers professing to be saved. ' Religion,' says Mr. 
Graham, ' bears down all before it in this country ; the most 
prejudiced have been convinced and converted.' As the sequel 
will show, there was great anxiety now among the people lest 
these remarkable messengers should be removed from their 
district of country at the Conference ; but it was not so. On 
the evening of the same Sabbath they preached to about four 
thousand people. Before the open air service was held, many 
who came from a distance went to the Established Church. 
It is mentioned that a young man fainted, or was ^struck,' in 
the church, when the minister cried out, ' Take him away, I 
will have no irregularity in my church ; and if these strangers 
are my parishioners, I wonder I did not see them here before ; 
but if they are following those cavalry preachers (so called 



102 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



from their preaching on horseback), I wish they remained at 
home in their own churches. Let no one say that I invited 
them here.^ This same clergyman was heard to say on the 
previous Sabbath, that he wished the Irish missionaries to come 
there ; his preaching appeared to do the people no good, and 
that he thought it better for him to give up altogether ; but 
when they did actually come, he got alarmed All parish 
ministers, however, were not of his mind ; for we find the mis- 
sionaries shortly after invited in another to^vn by the minister 
of the parish to preach in his church. 

We find them on their way to Conference on Monday, 
July 14th. They passed through Ballyhaise and Cavan, preach- 
ing in each place to multitudes inside and outside. They met 
the Rev. Joseph Armstrong and Rev. George Brown, who 
assisted them in Cavan. The word was with power to all 
classes. There were many soldiers in the town also, who 
inquired as of old, ^And what shall we do?^ Thence they 
journeyed to Oldcastle, which Graham calls * a hardened and 
corrupt town;' but a Mr. Henry, with whom they spent the 
night, declared that ' it gave him the greatest happiness to see 
so many poor, ignorant Roman Catholics calling on God for 
mercy and so broken down.' The Romanists would willingly 
remain for hours on their knees without apparent weariness. 
The missionaries, leaving Oldcastle, proceeded to Dublin, where 
they were appointed by Conference to preach at 'John's Well.' 
They had a very large, well behaved, and very attentive con- 
gregation, especially the Roman Catholics. Others passed and 
repassed carelessly. One poor Romanist was convinced, whose 
eyes poured out tears like water. x\nother in the street mani- 
fested great concern, and immediately a crowd gathered round, 
to whom Mr. Graham preached a short sermon. Before they 
left the city they called at a Doctor Stokes's ; and while Mr. 
Ouseley was writing a card to leave his name, as the doctor was 
iOx^ Gjraham spoke to the servant-maid on the subject of per- 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 103 

sonal religion. She manifested the greatest concern, and wept 
bitterly. They commended her to God in prayer, and had 
good hope concerning her. Mr. Graham prays thus : — ' O 
Father of mercies and God of the spirits of all flesh, how many 
of Thy creatures are perishing in darkness, and none to take 
them by the hand : send light into the world, O Lord, and 
disperse the gloom that has overspread the face of all nations.' 
How w^ell to be instant in season, and out of season, so pointedly 
expressed thus : — 

* 'Tis not for man to trifle ! Life is brief, 

And sin is here. 
Our age is but the falling of a leaf — 

A di'opping tear. 
We have no time to sport away the hours ; 
All must be earnest in a world like ours. 
Not many lives, but only one have we — 

One, only one ; 
How sacred should that one life ever be, — 

That narrow span ! 
Day after day filled up ^^dth blessed toil, 
Hour after kotir still bringing in new spoil, ' 

Having rehearsed to the Conference the wonderful dealings of 
God with them throughout this first remarkable year of their 
enterprise, they %vere again ' commended to the grace of God ' 
to continue their glorious toil ; and, in addition, the Conference 
expressed its great satisfaction by augmenting the number cf 
general missionaries to six, who stand thus on the minutes : — 

Cjalway, Tipperary, Queen's Count}% Kilkenny, Dublin, Westmeath, 
Longford, Leitrim, King's Count}'-, Sligo, Mayo, and Roscommon — James 
M*Quigg, James Bell, 

The Province of Ulster, and the Counties of Louth and Meath — Charles 
Graham, Gideon Onseley. 

Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Carlo w, Kil- 
kenny, and Clare — Laurence Kane, Henr}' Webb. 

Graham and Ouseley left Dublin on the ist of August and 



104 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

arrived in Drogheda, where they preached at the Tholsel (Town 
House) without the shghtest annoyance. Many Romanists 
heard with respectful attention, as Graham states — ' The Lord 
gave both hberty and power, and the Word appeared to fall as 
seed in good ground.' The difficulty now, as then, seems to 
arise more from the cowardice of Protestants than the anti- 
pathy of Roman Catholics. ^ Arise, O Lord, thou and the Ark 
of thy strength !' They reached Ardee on the 2nd, where Graham 
became ill ; but Ouseley took the street, and preached to the 
Roman Catholics. Graham says — ' We thought to storm the 
place, but I was laid aside for a day.' This is the first time we 
find him to complain of illness. They proceeded next to a 
place called the Poles, near Kingscourt ; the Roman Catholics 
heard with great avidity. It was a time of breaking down ; 
and one intelligent young man, a Roman Catholic, ' was cut 
to the heart' His distress was poignant, and he cried out, 
'I am full of fire.' Prayer continued to be made for him until 
his soul was set at liberty. It was now the fire of heavenly 
love — and oh, the expressions of gratitude for ever having 
heard those servants of the Lord. Kingscourt was next visited 
on the market day. The former visit, last November, gave 
intensity to the desire for hearing ; great power attended the 
word. Tears flowed freely ; or, to use Graham's expression, 
^plentifully^ and many called most earnestly on God. The 
Irish language was freely spoken here ; the people knelt in the 
open street. The Lord was very present, and the word reached 
every heart. Graham prays, ' O Lord, water the seed with the 
dew of Thy grace.' Thence they went to the market of Shercock, 
w^here a similar scene to that at Kingscourt took place. Most 
of those who heard were Px.oman Catholics, who, with uplifted 
hands and streaming eyes, cried aloud for mercy. The Estab- 
lished Church minister, who was also the magistrate, heard 
attentively — a happy contrast to his unworthy brother at Clones. 
A Roman Catholic shopkeeper asked them to take some 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



refreshment, and said, ^ The man who would pin his faith to 
the sleeve of any individual deserved to be lost' His wife 
said, ^We heard of you, and we were afraid you would not 
come to us/ Some of the Catholics said also, ^What shall 
we do ? You have told us that the priest cannot forgive us our 
sins, and we are greatly alarmed.' Mr. Graham prays again — 
' O Lord, send light, nor suffer these any longer to remain in 
the shadow of death.' 

They soon after arrived in Clones^ where their families re- 
sided, but which they could scarcely call their home^ from the 
short time they were allowed to remain quiet. I find they 
scarcely gave themselves more than a day to rest after an 
at)sence of months. Indeed they preached on the evening of 
their arrival. Now a great trial awaited them. The curate, 
who was also a magistrate, vowed not to allow them to preach 
in the street Mr. Graham waited on him, but the decree was 
passed. We shall see the result forthwith. After labouring 
round the country with gi-eat success for some days, multitudes 
from all directions flocked to hear, and some who ^ came to 
mock remained to pray;' and others, who thought to laugh at 
the cries of penitents, were ^ struck,' and cut to the heart Some 
of these were Seceders, or reformed Presbyterians. One young 
woman cried aloud, saying, * I came here although afraid, but 
the Lord has found me out, and has blessed me.' They continued 
in prayer for the mourners for a long time. They brought 
some of these into a barn. A Mr. Whitley cam^e in and said^ 
' Oh, come out to see a man stretched on the ground, who used 
to offer to swear oaths for a wager; he is roaring for mercy.' 
Here the missionaries were joined by Mr. William Hamilton, 
who assisted them greatly. Several were justified, some of 
whom were Roman Catholics, who followed them from place to 
place, in opposition to the entreaties of their priests. The threats 
of the priests, it is but just to say, were mild in comparison with 
the persecution of the Established Church ministers and gentry, 



Io6 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 

and more especially from the Episcopal ministerial magistrate 
of Clones^ by whom they were prevented from preaching on the 
previous market-day, as already stated. Mr. Graham says, 
' We determined to go out to-day, cost us what it would. 
Accordingly we went to the middle of the street, and the peo- 
ple gathered round The captain of the militia, another per- 
secutor, and in league with the clerical magistrate, came to us 
and said we must not preach there — that it w^as too near his 
lodging. We moved a little, and remained for about two hours, 
although it rained most of the time. Invitation upon invitation 
poured upon us ; nor can we give this country either the time 
or labour they require.' So far, so well. 

At Kilmore, in a day or two after, many were set at liberty, 
and, says Mr. Graham, ' The Lord be praised, this country is 
all on fire — traveUing preachers, local preachers, leaders, and 
hearers are flaming with zeal for the glory of God.' Next day, 
at Castleblaney fair, a large concourse, mostly Roman 
Catholics, heard the w^ord with joy. Soon there was a noise 
and a cry from every quarter; not ^ the confused noise' of the 
battle-field, but the result of the burning power of the Word, 
and the fire of heavenly love. The Gospel soon spread far and 
wide. In the evening, at Mr. M^Birney's, the scene was more 
surprising. The people followed the missionaries. Roman 
Catholics smote their breasts, kissed the ground, and, crying 
aloud for mercy, wept bitterly. O for such times again ! It was 
the Lord's doings, and truly marvellous. The following Sabbath 
exceeded all the others. No house could hold the people. 
They got liberty to go into Lord Blaney's demesne, and the 
power of the Most High was so overwhelming that, to use the 
words in Graham's journal, ^ The people could neither sit nor 
stand, but fell on their knees during the time of preaching, and 
then with one voice cried aloud to God for mercy. It was a day 
never to be forgotten.' At Keady, in the evening of that day, 
they preached again, and the Irish language had a wonderful 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



107 



effect upon the Roman Catholics. The exclamations of some 
of them were a little humorous. One of these was, ' The rest 
of the ministers may throw their caps at them' (the missionaries), 
meaning thereby that they should uncover their heads before 
their superiors. At Monaghan multitudes heard them — mostly 
Roman Catholics — and were powerfully affected. Again they 
preached in the evening on the street with similar effects. 
Here Graham records the happy death of a young wom^an, who 
found peace with God in this revival. 

The next remarkable account is that of their preaching to a 
wedding party, while the priest, who was waiting for them, looked 
on from the chapel door. Ouseley alighted from his horse, 
and knelt down on the road to pray with the young people, 
who also knelt, and truly it was ^a time of refreshing.' ^ We,'" 
says Mr. Graham, ^exhorted them to get themselves joined to 
the Lord Jesus Christ, and to prepare for the marriage supper 
of the Lamb. The word was blessed to them, and soon their 
tears began to flow.' Mr. Armstrong, the circuit preacher, who 
then accompanied Graham and Ouseley, was so overcome at 
seeing those poor Roman Catholics so broken do\\ii, that he 
declared — could lay do^\Ti my life for them.' All this time 
the priest did not seem desirous to appear. He looked as if 
thunderstruck, and could not tell what to make of it; but pro- 
bably he soon found it out. It was altogether a strange scene 
on a wedding-day, and not likely to be readily forgotten. It 
would present a fine subject for the pencil of a Raphael to see 
three Methodist preachers kneeling on the open road, holding 
their horses' bridles, surrounded by a wedding party, calling on 
God for mercy, while tears flowed apace, the chapel in the 
distance, with the priest peeping out from behind the half-open 
door, and manifesting all the emotions, no doubt, of amazement 
and fear, as if inquiring ^ What does all this mean?' 

The servants of the Lord went on their way rejoicing, while 
the bewildered party repaired to the chapel to meet their still 



I08 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 

more bewildered clergyman. Here we may surely say they 
were 'instant in season,' and, as in this instance, 'out of 
season.^ 

After this Graham and Ouseley visited the lower parts of the 
North for about six weeks, during which their labours were in- 
cessant and marvellously successful, although Satan, here and 
there, strove to throw obstacles in their way. The chief 
hindrances are stated to be 'ministers of religion so-called.' 
This was peculiarly the case at Clones in the month of October 
of this year (1800). Before we describe that painful scene we 
must glance at the work in the South, as recorded in two letters 
to Dr. Coke — one dated 'Cork, 9th September 1800 — from 
Messrs. Kane and Webb : — 

* We preached on the bridge of Bandon, and had a large congregation 
who heard with great attention, and were much benefited. In Kinsale, a 
Roman CathoUc knelt on the open street bathed in tears. We had hundreds 
to hear. Preached again in Bandon to a thousand people. One of our 
hearers was a woman who has two brothers priests ; and, although they 
opposed her, and warned her against us, she declared she must hear the 
truth. Other Catholics came next night, and were in tears. In Ballyneen 
the Catholics heard us attentively, and helped us to sing ; and when at 
prayer fell on their knees in the middle of the street. At Lisnegat, the 
Catholics who could not get into the house, knelt outside all the time of the 
sermon. One of them refuses to obey the priest. At Cape Clear we 
preached and reasoned with the people out of the Scriptures. They were 
all Catholics. The Reformation under Elizabeth did not extend that far. 
At Dunmanway we had upwards of a thousand people to hear us, and the 
Protestant clergyman amongst the number. At Cork, on our return, we had 
about sixteen hundred to hear, and several of the congregation were military 
officers. The people heaped all manner of blessings upon us. We are now 
preparing to set out for another missionary excursion, and beg an interest 
in prayer. ' 

Here, at Cork, the above missionaries obtained Bishop 
Bedell's old Irish Bible, and were putting it into the Roman 
character for the use of the country people with the English 
and Irish in opposite columns — a thing necessary to be done 
even now, 1868. They finished no more than the book of 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



109 



Genesis. Archbishop M^Hale, of Tuam^ did the same with 
the Pentateuch, in the Douay version, some time ago; and here 
I may state that the Irish-speakmg people number, by the last 
census, 155,000 : and those speaking the Irish and EngHsh, 
800,000 — more than all the Episcopalians in Ireland. 

The next extract is from a letter by Messrs. M^Quigg and 
Bell to Dr. Coke, dated October 13th, 1800 : — 

* Many gentlemen seem pleased with our mission ; wherever we go we are 
received, except by the priests. We were invited to Urlingford by a highly 
respectable gentlemen. After mass we took the street, and had a vast crowd. 
The priest came rushing by like a madman while we were at prayer, and 
swore I should not preach there. The gentleman who invited us declared 
I should, and shouted to me to go on^^ I spoke in Irish. We had 
about 1500 Roman Catholics, and only 20 Protestants. Brother Bell (says 
M 'Quigg) stood firm as an oak, in all the confusion. He is a most pleasing 
companion to me, for zeal, humility, and love, and withal a good voice. The 
magistrate made a speech after I spoke, and then took us home, and invited 
us back. The priest then pretended that he only came to save us, and that 
we may now preach away. We preach to thousands who otherwise would 
never hear the Gospel. The Irish language has charms which amaze my- 
self. Many of the gentlemen are ready to fight for us in the street. 
Brother Bell glories in his heavenly calling. A minister of the establishment 
at Roscrea who heard us exclaimed, There never was so useful a scheme 
adopted for the good of Ireland.'^'' In Mountrath an old priest strove to take 
away the people, but when I thundered in the Irish language he fled, and 
the people came back. The Roman Catholic bishop heard us and said, 
*' It was severe work." In Mountmellick I preached under the window of 
a paralyzed gentleman, who was one of our greatest enemies in Dublin. He 
came here for his health's sake. His servant wheeled him in an arm-chair to 
the window. The word smote him. He wept aloud, and made signs to 
send for the preacher. *' I never," says M 'Quigg, saw a man in deeper 
distress for salvation." A gentleman, some time ago, horsewhipped a ballad 
linger who annoyed us in the street, after which he was right glad to fly.' 

I have now to fall back on Mr. Graham's journals for the 
account of the persecution in Clones — and which is recorded 
nowhere else, except in a parody which the Rev. R. Crozier 
wrote on the subject, but I consider it too serious for that style 
of treatment, although I have the document, which is more 



no 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



amusing and humorous than edifying. Mr. Graham's account 
is in substance as follows : — 

On our return from the Dublin [Conference in the month 
of August, we found the rulers of Clones took council together, 
that we should no more preach in the street, but we resolved 
to go on as usual. Some of our friends thought it right that 
we should speak to the magistrate, and explain our position. 
We did so, but all in vain. He resolved to cany out his threats, 
and prevent us from street preaching. We had to tell him that 
we would obey God rather than man and that it would be 
an awful thing for him if he were found " fighting against God " 
by opposing the proclamation of His truth. He said, he did 
not think so. On our return from a short tour northward, where 
we saw the glory of the Lord so remarkably revealed, we 
resolved to go a-head. Accordingly, on the i ith of October, we 
arrived. Next day was the Sabbath, and a memorable day it 
was.' Mr. Graham continues : — 'We purposed to preach in the 
street, and went out when the people were coming from mass. 
I had been half-way through my sermon when the rector's 
servant came to me with a note, but apprehending its contents, 
I requested him to keep it until I was done; but he returned 
with the note to his master, and immediately the curate, who 
was the magistrate (as already stated), came forward and com- 
manded me to desist. Some of the people interposed and 
reasoned with him, but in vain. He said, ^''they are not sent 
to preach the Gospel, and I will not suffer them to preach here 
again.' He ordered the people to disperse. A Mr. Cochraine 
who was lieutenant of the yeomen, told this magistrate that 
they would not disperse, as they were not acting illegally. The 

magistrate called a Captain G of the militia, who came 

forward blaspheming by the name of the Most HigL I told 
him, says Graham, ''not to swear." He told me not to 
attempt to preach to him, or if I did, he would punish me. I 
told him, " I did not fear his punishment" Then the magis- 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



Ill 



trate, fearing consequences, said, " But you must not preach so 
near my church." Mr. Ouseley then said, " Let us move on," 
and as we were about to leave, the magistrate said to Mr. 
Ouseley, ^^Did you not state that you were free from sin?" 
Mr. Ouseley responded, " Blessed be God, nine years ago, the 
Lord made me free from sin" — alluding, no doubt, to Romans 
vi. 1 8, which runs thus — Being made free from sin, ye became 
servants of righteousness, &c." The curate replied — " You are a 
blasphemer^ for it is written, ' If we say we have no sin, we 
deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.'" Cochraine, the 
Captain alluded to, said, " Quote the whole of the passage," 
repeating, " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to 
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 
He then turned on me,' says Mr. Graham, 'and called me, 
**An infamous liar." Mr. Ouseley immediately reproved him 
for " reviling the Lord's servant'^ We then went to Mr. Ouseley's 
door, the people followed us. Mr. Ouseley ascended a block, 
and began to preach. The rector cried out, ''Call out the 
army." The Captain appeared, the drum beat to arms, and 
the men were drawn up. Immediately some of the yeomen ran 
for their fire-arms. The magistrate, seeing that this might lead 
to blood, ordered the soldiers back, but ran up to Mr. Ouseley 
and pulled him do^vn from the block, when I, says Mr. 
Graham, * started up to finish my sermon ; then he thought 
to pull me down, but he found, to his confusion, that I was a 
little too heavy and stiff, and not so easily moved. I finished, 
and pronounced the benediction, and dismissed the con- 
gregation.' 

Thus ended one of the most singular and disgraceful scenes 
which had been witnessed since or before in that country, at 
least in connexion with street preaching, or magisterial folly. 
It resulted in the disgrace of both rector and curate, while it 
only tended greatly to the increased popularity of the mission- 
aries — as, indeed, persecution always does. The magistrate 



112 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 

never had a day's prosperity aftenvards, and the rector as little. 
I could record tragic scenes, but I forbear. I cannot, however, 
but exclaim — ' Verily, there is a God that judgeth in the earth.' 
The lines of a great poet, although written to condemn the 
mistaken judgment of Kirke White, and quite different to the 
case just mentioned, yet, by accommodation, they may be 
applied with the greatest propriety as descriptive of self- 
destruction : — 

* ' Twas thine own genius gave the fatal blow, 
And helped to plant the wound that laid thee low ; 
So the struck eagle, stretched upon the plain, 
No more through rolling clouds to soar again, 
Viewed his own feather on the fatal dart. 
And winged the shaft which quivered in his heart. 
Keen were the pangs, but keener far to feel. 
He nursed the pinion which impelled the steel. 
While the same plumage that had warmed his nest, 
Drank the last life- drop off his bleeding breast.' 

In reflecting on this whole affair, one is at a loss to know 
whether to wonder more at the folly, the madness, or the 
wickedness, not to say the impolicy of such conduct. The 
rudeness, the ungentlemanly bearing, the unchristian course 
pursued by those two clerical fanatics, surpass description ; 
and all this, just after the rebellion, when the Methodists were 
known, and proved to be the most loyal and orderly people on 
the face of the globe, and especially in Ireland; but the truth 
was, their preaching bore down hke thunder on the sins of 
the day, both of lay and cleric, and * galled them to revenge.' 
Indeed, we are almost led to believe that, like as of old, the 
J^oid permitted Xho^Q 'thorns in the flesh,' lest by the ' abun- 
dance of the revelations' (of grace), those highly honoured 
men of God ' should be exalted above measure.' 

Immediately before this, Mr. Graham wrote — 'At Caledon 
the bones were very dry. We preached in the fair, and brought 
weighty artillery to bear on the wicked; we found it very difli- 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



cult to get to their hearts. In the evening the Lord came to 
our help, and broke down some flinty rocks, and healed some 
backsliders ; but next morning, at seven o'clock, the power of 
the Lord descended so remarkably, that old and young were 
moved. A young woman screamed out in an uncommon man- 
ner, and seemed as one possessed of an evil spirit Her whole 
frame trembled. She strove to tear something out of her breast. 
However, she soon began to praise God. A Roman Catholic 
woman fell down stricken likewise, under the power of convic- 
tion, and immediately her mother became similarly affected; but 
all were restored. This " thirsty land" has now become " springs 
of water." It was never so seen on this fashion in Caledon 
before.' 

In Charlemont a number of officers thought to amuse them- 
selves at the expense of the ^ black caps;' but soon Hheir 
folly was, however, turned into amazement,' although one of 
them, bolder than the rest, came forward and said — 

* I charge you to preach no more in the street ; your doctrine 

is very good, but you make such a d noise that the town 

is annoyed' 

Mr. Ouseley answered, ^ Yes, we do make a noise ; but ours 
is hallowed noise.' I suppose, alluding to the unhallowed 
character of those blasphemers' foul-mouthed oaths, ^the 
drunkard's song, and the loud and vacant laugh,' to which 
these same military gentlemen were no strangers. 

At Loughgall ' the great men of authority' declared that if 
the 'black caps' came, they would ^send them to h — 1.' 
They did come, and neither the Established Church clergy nor 

Colonel C could stand before the artillery of heaven — the 

thunders of the law. 

'At Armagh,' says Mr. Graham, ' all come to hear us except 
the rich. Alas ! shall these go to hell because God is good to 
them ?' They have too often ' their good things' in this life, 
but not always, thank God. 

H 



114 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



At Portadown they had the most patient hearing, both out- 
side and inside, except that a mad woman strove to annoy 
them. Mr. Graham remarks, ^ If such are at all close by, they 
are sure to join the crowd, as if the devil took them by the 
hand to the very spot' Many were converted at Porta- 
down. 

At Bluestoiie a Roman Catholic woman was alarmed, and 
said she was in company with twelve priests, and never heard 
anything like this way of salvation before, but quite the 
contrary. 

At Lishurn^ Lurga^i, Tandragee, Killalea^ Hillsboro\ and 
Markethill^ ' the power of the Lord was present to heal in all, 
and in great numbers.' They then came to an old gentleman's 
place of the name of Halliday, who had previously entertained 
Mr. Wesley. This man was eighty-two years of age, but not 
yet converted. They prayed earnestly for him. 

It would fail the writer, as well as, perhaps, tire the patience 
of the reader, to record all the journal accounts from October 
until the end of December 1800, but I will give a few extracts 
of letters, which will throw some light on this last quarter of 
the year. The first is from Mr. Graham to his son in Dublin, 
dated — 

' Enniskillen, December 25, 1800. 

*My dear Charles, — The fire of the Lord attends us wherever we go. 
It is astonishing the numbers who have been con™ced and converted 
during the last week. I never saw the prejudices of Enniskillen conquered 
in the street until this day. We did not leave it until we left it in triumph. 
I think this was one of the best days it has ever seen. The Lord is riding 
in triumph through all this land, all glory to His eternal name. Mr. 
Stuart, the circuit preacher, mounted his horse, and took the street with us, 
and did valiantly. Many hands make light work." Mr. Kerr also goes on 
courageously. The Lord is owning the labours of these men. Here many 
Catholics have been convinced and converted since we left Clones. Super- 
stition and formal religion are flying like the chaff of the summer threshing- 
floor. The little stone cut out of the mountain without hands is becoming so 
powerful that it appears to me, at least, that it will shortly fill this nation. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



Its 



Whatever I can say comes far short of what the Lord is doing. To Him 
be the power and the glory for ever, amen, and amen. — I remain your 
loving father, * Charles Graham. ' 

This letter speaks for itself. It is a rich gem of missionary 
triumph. I may here remark that, from that time, street 
preaching was never regarded as a very formidable task in 
the street of Enniskillen. A few months ago, March 1868, 
the superintendent minister of that circuit, the Rev. R. Huston, 
joined me in a street service at the fair of that town, and we 
had the most profound attention from a vast concourse of 
Catholics and Protestants, many of whom knelt during the 
times of prayer, and this, too, just after the trial and conviction 
of the Granard rioters at the Longford Assizes, for their attack 
on the author when passing through that town. 

The next extract is from the pen of Mr. Ouseley to Mr. 
Joyce : — 

* Near Enniskillen, December 23, 1800. 

*My dear Brother, — Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied unto thee, 
and all our dear brethren, through our Lord Jesus Christ When we 
arrived in Clones Mr. Graham fell sick, but I preached abroad to vast con- 
gregations, and in the houses the voice of heaven-bom children was heard 
rejoicing. God wrought a great work in the country where I had to go 
alone. Many souls were brought to God. Several Romans were awakened 
daring the five days I was with Mr. Brown, and four of them were made 
happy in God. A father who had not spoken to his daughter for months 
because she quitted the priest, fell on the floor weeping. I prayed over 
him in Irish ; he got up, took his daughter in his arms, they kissed each 
other, and wept aloud. O, how people love when the love of God is shed 
abroad in their hearts. Some were converted this week who were like 
devils before- How mighty is the power of God! On the Sabbath I preached 
in a ball-room, where gaiety and vanity reigned before ; but now there was 
another kind of noise and work there . The number was vast, and the 
crying of the penitents filled the house. The gentleman of the house and 
his whole family are turned to God. I came home hoarse and weary, but 
my God soon revived me. Now Mr. Graham set out with me, and we had 
another great week. Every day souls are converted ; we cannot ascertain 
how many, the number is so great, and the multitudes who throng around us 
are so immense. We found it impossible to find out all the mourners, or 



Il6 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 

those who are made happy — we did not attempt to count We conversed 
with a priest on Tuesday, and the result was pleasing. Many appear liie7'ally 
to devour the Word. On Monday another Roman Catholic was converted. 
At Belturbet the cry never ceased till nine o'clock at night. Kt Bally connel 
several wept, and some were made happy in God. These were mostly 
Romans. But, oh ! at Swanlinbar, the vastness of the congregation, the 
eager attention, the loud lamentation, together with the sound of prayer 
which went up to heaven (when we were telling them that Christ ascended 
to heaven to send down the gift of the Holy Ghost), ally all was over- 
whelming. One of our friends met a Romanist that evening going home, 
weeping along the road, and lamenting how he had been blinded. These 
Roman Catholics love us, and are anxious to get pamphlets from us. Near 
Enniskillen we had a blessed meeting ; scarcely a dry face. Glory, glory, 
glory to our God. I can say no more now. I am your happy and affec- 
tionate brother in the Gospel, * Gideon Ouseley.' 

Doctor Coke remarks here, * It gives me peculiar pleasure 
that the missionaries are now putting the converted Catholics 
under the care of the most pious and sensible members of our 
society, in their respective neighbourhoods. Without this or 
some similar plan, these missions could never be permanently, 
or at least extensively useful.' 

Mr. Graham writes from Clones to Dr. Coke, dated 

jfamtary 12, l8oi. 
'Reverend and dear Sir, — Since I wrote last we have had great 
success. The Catholics heard in the street of Rathmolyon, and seemed 
alarmed. At Mr. Fox's, of Galtrim, the greater part of the congregation 
were Catholics. The power of the Lord fell on all. Such a time I had 
not known in this place, and some' Catholics professed *'to feel the par- 
doning love of God." In the benighted town of Athboy Mr. Ouseley 
sounded the alarm in the street, and then called them in to prayer. Many 
who could not get in knelt outside the vv^indow, bathed in tears. Oh ! what 
a pity to see these poor sheep perishing for lack of knowledge. At Old- 
castle the Catholics flocked to hear us as they did before, and the Lord 
blessed His word to them ; and at the market, next day, they seemed as 
much athirst for the Word as the gaping land for the falling rain. It was 
truly affecting to see them falling on their knees, and looking up to heaven 
for mercy. At our last visit, one of them left the mass and never returned. 
The whole town seemed alarmed that night, for the market people waited 
to hear us at Mr. Henry's. At BallyjamesdufF we preached in the Presby- 
terian Meeting-house, and the presence of the Lord fiUed the place* 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



TI7 



Catholics attended, and all yielded as melting wax before the fire. Next 
day, at the market, many were cut to the heart. On these two market- 
days and the Sabbath you would imagine the whole country was alarmed. 
The family that mvited us were truly converted to God, and their neighbours 
were all awakened out of their long sleep of sin. Within the last six 
weeks I may safely say hundreds of souls have been convinced and con- 
verted. Many Catholics were converted at the Quarterly Meeting (Love 

Feast). In Enniskillen, one Sally M*H appeared to be possessed. She 

screamed in the wildest manner. Five men could not hold her or keep her 
down. The more we prayed, the more she raged. She could not bear to 
hear the Saviour's name mentioned ; but, at last, the Lord heard prayer for 
her, and had mercy on her, and on us also. After she had lain as if dead 
for some moments, she started to her feet and praised the Lord, and still 
continues to praise Him. All glory be to God, whose mercy endure th 
for ever. " Another Catholic woman was converted a few nights ago, when 
she cried out in the Irish language, Meelia molla lath mo Launihore — the 
author gives it in its English pronunciation form for those who could not 
pronounce it in Irish — that is, A thousand praises to thee, my Saviour." 
Another woman, who had passed through different Roman Catholic orders, 
such as the Scapular &c., and was looked upon as <z saint mdeed,'''' to the 
great surprise of the priest and all his people, gave them the slip. The 
priest sent her word, that if she feared to perish in her own old religion, 
lie would stand in her place at the last day; but Mary would not be 
cheated. 

* I remain, &:c., 

* C. Graham.' 

The foregoing extracts may be regarded as terminating the 
first half-year of their second year's appointment, namely, from 
July 1800, to the end of December. But, before I close this 
important half-year's labours, I must introduce a copy of the 
Micense,' as a Protestant dissenting minister, which Mr. 

^ The word Scapular is taken from the Latin ScaptilcB^ which signifies 
shozilders, from the circumstance of those in this order wearing two bits of 
brown woollen stuff attached together by a pair of strings, and generally 
initialled with B.V.M., which stand for Blessed Virgin Mary; so that one 
part hangs on the breast and the other on the back. These are to be duly 
blessed by a priest. They are emblems of * the Lady of Mount Carmel,* 
the Mother of Christ. It is said to be a charm against all misfortune, 
and secures a passport to heaven, as well as preserves from everlasting punish- 
ment. 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



Graham obtained from the Quarter Sessions in Dublin, very 
Hkely through the influence and advice of Doctor Coke. It 
runs thus : — 

* We certify that at an adjournment of the General Quarter Sessions of 
the Peace and General Gaol Delivery, held for the County of the City of 
Dublin, at the Sessions House of said city, on the twelfth day of November, 
one thousand eight hundred, Charles Graham, Protestant preacher of the 
Gospel, belonging to, and in connexion with, the society of the people 
called Methodists, came into open court, and did then and there take, 
repeat, and subscribe the oaths of allegiance and abjuration, and make, 
repeat, and subscribe the declaration, as set forth and enjoined to be taken, 
made, and repeated by an Act of Parliament, made in the sixth year of the 
reign of the late King George the First, entitled an Act for the Relief of 
Protestants Dissenting from the Church of Ireland, in order to entitle him to 
preach and expound the Gospel, pursuant to the provisions contained in said 
Act, and which we certify at the office of the said court, this twelfth day of 
November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred.' 

* Allen & Greene, C.P.C.C.D/ 

I suppose the initials stand for Clerk of the Peace for the 
County of the City of Dublin. This document settled the 
clerical rulers of Clones, although ^ still willing^ but afraid to 
strike/ Many of the early Methodist preachers, both in 
England and Ireland, had to take out this * license ' as dissent- 
ing preachers, in order to avail themselves of the benefit of the 
' Toleration Act,' and to prevent clerical opponents from 
taking advantage of the law against ^ Conventicles.' Yet the 
Methodist preachers did not wish to own dissent from the 
State Church; but clerical persecutors drove them into taking 
out dissenting ' licenses,' as in the case of Graham. The 
swearing of Graham to ' bear true allegiance ' was one of the 
necessary forms required to be submitted to before he could 
obtain the 'license/ But the true loyalty of the Methodists 
could not be doubted. ' A more loyal man than John Wesley,' 
says the venerable Thomas Jackson, in his Centenary of Wes- 
leyan Methodism^ ^ never existed His loyalty was not a 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. II9 

sentiment or a prejudice, but a principle. He succeeded in 
impressing the same character upon the societies that acknow- 
ledge him as their founder. Amidst disaffection, the pinchings 
of the protracted war, and the rampant radicalism of a later 
period, the loyalty of the Methodists was steadily maintained, 
as their official documents fully testify.' 

Near Enniskillen, on the 26th December, no house could 
hold the people, and they had to go to the field, although they 
had to sit on the cold ground, and this in winter. About one 
hundred of them were Catholics. Those who entered an 
adjoining barn subsequently ' were all broken down.' 

The following statement of Mr. Graham's own experience is 
to me most precious. Under date, the same day, December 
26th, he writes : — 

*A11 glory to God, He met me here (at the house of Mr. George 
M 'Donald, near Enniskillen) in a manner that I can hardly describe. So 
much of His love and power did the Lord let down into my soul, that nature 
could hardly sustain. I thought for some moments I should have fainted ; 
nor was I sure but that the Lord was about to call my spirit away from the 
body. O Lord, my God, give me grace and wisdom to guard this sacred 
treasure. Such a visit as this my soul had long waited for. This is the 
third time the Lord gave me to feel His fulness of love." O, may I never 
grieve Him more. Where might I have been now had I been faithful to 
His grace?' 

At Derrygonnelly the crowd was so great that the priest's 
brother and the Roman Catholics wanted the people to go into 
the Catholic chapel, but as the priest was not there, they 
would not do so. On the last day of this year, December 31st, 
1800, about thirty were converted, and several obtained the 
blessing of ^a clean heart' Among the latter were several young 
persons, whose countenances seemed to beam as if in a beati- 
fied state. 



* In the morning sow tliy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine 
hand : for thou knowest not whether shall prosper this or that, or whether 
they both shall be aUke good.' — Eccles. xi. 6. 

* Sow ye beside all waters, 
Where the dew of heaven may fall ; 
Ye shall reap, if ye be not weary, 
For the Spirit breathes on all. 
Sow, though the thorns may wound thee, 
One wore the thorns for thee. 
And though the cold world scorn thee, 
Patient and hopeful be. 
Sow ye beside all waters. 
With a blessing and a prayer ; 
Name Him whose hands uphold thee, 
And sow thou everywhere. 

Work in the wild, waste places, 
Though none thy love may own ; 
God guides the do^vn of the thistle, 
The wandering wind hath sown. 
Will Jesus chide thy meekness, 
Or call thy labour vain? 
The word for Him thou bearest, 
Shall return to Him again. 
O, with thy heart in heaven, 
Thy strength thy Maker's might, 
Till the wild, waste places blossom, 
In the warmth of a Saviour's light.' 



\ 



CHAPTER X. 

JANUARY TO JULY 180I. 

Remarkable conversions. — Opposition from officers at Irvines- 
TOWN. — Biographer of Ouseley. — Correspondent of Dr. Coke. 
— ^Journal. — Roslea, Wallsbridge, Clonkirk, Clones, Red- 
hill. — Mrs. Little. — Great temptation. — Deliverance. — No- 
torious SINNERS CONVERTED. — BaLLYHAISE, CaVAN, KiLLESHAN- 

DRA, Carrigallen, Arvagh. — Cloone blood men. — Mr. Harpur 

AND RESPECTABLE NEIGHBOUR. — FAMILIES. — DrUMLARNEY, 

Manorhamilton, revival. — Revival in 1832 at Killeshandra, 
Longford, Killashee, Kenagh, and Ballymahon. — Great 
OPPOSITION. — Conduct of the priest at Ballyhownas. — 
Goshen. — Granard. — The missionaries return to Mr. 
Harpur's. — Extracts from Mr. Graham's journal. — Conver- 
sion OF Terence M 'Go wan. 

I HIS year began with still more remarkable instances 
of conversion. One of these is recorded thus : — 
^ A man of the name of Crawford, who heard us last 
year, and then one of the vilest characters in all the country, 
came and heard us again this time. He is now a burning and 
a shining light, truly "a brand plucked from the burning." A 
short time before this took place, he went to a wake, and got 
drunk, and then went and kissed the corpse of the dead woman, 
saying, " Why did you go to hell until I would be with you ?" 
using also many other awful expressions. Oh, the goodness 
and mercy of God ! ' 

At Lowtherstown, now Irvinestown, the siege was heavy. 




122 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



Military officers raged, and threatened to duck or bayonet the 
missionaries if they did not desist ; but the truth prevailed, and 
many received the engrafted Word. 

At Makm?iy, in Brother Somerville's, about fiftee?i were con- 
verted that night, and among them, two of the soldiers who 
followed from to\Mi. In the course of this month some hwi- 
dreds were brought to God. 

In allusion to this period, the venerable biographer of Ouseley 
writes : — 

' The unwearied exertions and zeal of these two men were equalled only 
by the unprecedented results which attended their preaching, and which 
became a matter of surprise, even to those who had themselves been long 
accustomed to witness the power of the Gospel in the salvation of sinners. 
Men who had for many years preached the Gospel themselves, stood amazed 
at the ceaseless and exhausting toil of Graham and Ouseley, as well as at 
the glorious results which followed in the con\dction and conversion of 
multitudes. ' 

One of Doctor Coke's correspondents rates in reference to 
this period also, thus : — 

' Permit me, my dear sir, to say something of the Irish missionaries, 
Messrs. Graham and Ouseley. The mighty power of God accompanied 
their word with such demonstrative e\ddence as I have never known, or 
indeed rarely heard of. I have been present in fairs and markets, while 
these two blessed men of God, with burning zeal and apostolic order, 
pointed hundreds and thousands to ' ' the Lamb of God, which taketh away 
the sin of the world." I have seen the immediate fruit of their labour — the 
aged and the young falling prostrate in the most public places of concourse, 
cut to the heart, and refusing to be comforted imtil they knew Jesus, and 
the power of His resurrection. I have knomi scores of these poor penitents 
to stand up, and witness a good confession ; and, blessed be God, htmdreds 
of them now adorn the Gospel of Christ. I am wanting in language to set 
forth the wonders I have seen ^^Tought by the mighty power of the Holy 
Ghost, and I am humbled to the dust when I see the usefulness of these 
dear men of God.' 

W^ile we might multiply testimonies of this character, relative 
to the unprecedented labours and success of these marvellous 
men, yet nothing appears to us so satisfactory as the personal 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



123 



record from the living and loz'i?ig hearts, expressed by the 
wilHng hand and the ready pen. And how Mr. Graham found 
time to keep those journals so regularly for each day, I am 
utterly at a loss to know, considering his constant and wasting 
labours. 

The follo\ving few extracts will bring us to the close of this 
half year, and up to July 1801, and will well repay an attentive 
perusal. But we must pass over nearly four months' journalism 
of the raciest and richest character : — 

*0n the 8th of May 1801/ writes Graham, Sve came to the fair of 
Roslea, and stormed the devil's kingdom in the street. Surely the Lord 
was King this day, and the de^d^s bulwarks were going to pieces ; nor had 
he one of his sen^ants who dare stand up for him. No wonder he rages 
about this work, for never did anything appear so well calculated to sap the 
foundation of his kingdom. Here we have ''the able men of Belial,'" the 
Atheists, the Deists, the Arians, the Predestinarians, the Socinians, the 
covert Pharisees, and the backsliders. These sinners are asleep in the arms 
of the devil ; and when they hear the judgment of God denounced against 
them, they tremble even in the open street, and many of them have lately 
turned to God.' 

They came to Wattsbridge on the loth, where they had about 
a thousand people. Both Protestants and Romanists were 
brought under the most powerful emotion and penitential 
distress, and several found peace. After taking one day's rest 
in Clones they went to Clonkirk^ where they preached in a field 
to hundreds, and had 'seals to their ministry' on that day. 
Thence they went to Redhill^ to a Mr. Little's, which had been a 
home for the preachers, since his conversion through the mis- 
sionaries. He first invited them himself to his house. It was 
a highly respectable place. Both Mr. Little and all his family 
were now devoted to God. He was truly generous. When 
Islr. Ouseley's horse died, while in that locahty, he made him a 
present of a very good one in its place. Here Mr. Graham 
mentions, a very powerful temptation under which Mrs. Little 
had laboured for some weeks, namely, ' that there was no God, 



124 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



no heaven, no hell,' &c. ; in fact, no invisible world at all, and 
no accountability. This brought her into deep distress of 
mind ; but one day, when alone, the most a^vful sensation came 
over her: eternity opened to her vision with the most fearful 
view of hell and its torments. She trembled all over; she 
'cried mightily to God,' who again 'lifted up the light of His 
countenance upon her,' and from that day she never doubted 
those solemn realities. The whole family had been very care- 
less and fashionable previous to their conversion. Others in 
that neighbourhood, who were formerly devils, now were lambs. 

Such were John E and Thomas B , but now ' burning 

and shining lights.' One exclaimed, before he found peace, 
that ' he would not wonder if the ground should take fire under 
him, because he was such a sinner;' and that 'no priest or 
bishop ever got to his heart before.' So exclaimed others also. 
That very man, and another young person found peace that 
night 

Thence the preachers went to Ballyhaise, where they met 
many of the poor 'sheep without a shepherd,' who felt that 
these men had more love in their hearts for them than all the 
clergy in the countr}^. After this they found the Protestants of 
Cavan rather unyielding, but the Roman Catholics were 
alarmed, especially while they declared that neither salt nor 
wafe7'^ nor oil, nor beads, would ever save them ; nothing but the 
Gospel of Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation to 
every one that believeth, and which was preached to the 
old Romans. (See Romans i. i6.) One cried out, 'It cost 
me half-a-guinea for wine and spirits at the last co/ifession.^ 
'Being called,' says Graham, Father^' and Reverend'" \^dll 
not do.' 

They next went to Killeshandra, where the crowd was im- 
mense. ' The Word bore all before it. ' The clerg}^ of all parties 
were alarmed. In those days many of them appeared to be very 
corrupt The missionaries preached on May 20th mid-day 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



sermons at Carrigallm with great effect, and that evening 
at Sunnagh^ where 'eight or feft were set at Hberty.' On the 
22 nd the Spirit wrought by the Word on every heart at the 
market of Arvagh, and in the evening at Mr. Johnston's near 
the town : no house could hold the people. Ten or twelve 
found liberty. On the 23rd they came to Mr. Harpur's, of 
Dnimlamey. They had to take to the field. Graham states, 
* The heavens were opened, and the skies poured down bless- 
ings on all j about twenty found peace.' We may here mention 
a circumstance relative to this family, which is worthy of record. 
Mr. Harpur, and the head of another respectable family in the 
neighbourhood, had a conversation about taking the preachers 
to lodge. 

The neighbour said to Mr. Harpur — ^ I have resolved not to 
invite them; for,' said he, see few but plain people joining 
them, and I have a large family of daughters, and my lodging' 
the preachers might prevent them from being respectably 
married.' 

' Well,' said Mr. Harpur, ^ I have a large family also, but I 'II 
trust God and take them in.' 

He did so, and in the course of a few years it was found that 
all Mr. Harpur's family were comfortably and respectably, and, 
better still, religiously settled in life; while those of the other 
friend were sadly disappointed, and afterwards some of the 
most tragic scenes followed, scenes over which we must cast 
the veil of oblivion. Drumlamey became the home of the 
preachers, and the centre of spiritual light, and power, and 
influence to the whole of that neighbourhood for years. One of 
Mr. Harpur's daughters, Mrs. Allen Nixon, a highly respectable 
Christian matron, still lives to this day, 21st July 1868, near 
the town of Manorhamilton, with her worthy and zealous son- 
in-law, Christopher Armstrong, Esq., of Blackpark; and we 
may add, she lives to see, or at least, to hear of another glorious 
revival of religion on that circuit, almost similar to the one 



126 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



described by Mr. Graham, when she was first brought to God 
sixty-eight years ago. She is now between eighty and ninety 
years of age. Surely godhness is worth a world; yea, two. It 
has ' the promise of the Hfe which now is, and of that which is 
to come.' 

On the Sabbath morning, May 24th, in Mr. Harpur's field, 
the missionaries preached to not less than a thoiisayid people. 
The conversions were very numerous. All seemed affected, 
and the people were filled as with the ^ new wine of the king- 
dom.' ^So that one might,' says Mr. Graham, ^imagine they 
were, as on the day of Pentecost, drunk with new wine.' The 
Catholics were not forgotten. In the evening of the same day, 
Graham and Ouseley preached on the hill of Drumbullion, near 
the far famed CorHspratten. The congregration exceeded a 
thousand persons, many of whom appeared to gasp for the 
Word of the Lord 

* As a thirsty land for showers.' 

' The power of the Holy Spirit descended, while one preached 
from — " These men are the servants of the Most High God, 
which show unto us the way of salvation" (Acts xvL 17). 
Conversions began on every hand, and both ^'the slain and 
healed of the Lord " were many.' 

^ This,' says Mr. Graham, ' was a high day, and I trust it 
shall be had in everlasting remembrance. All glory to God; 
His kingdom is coming.' 

They returned on the 25th to Carrigallen, and preached to a 
mixed multitude, some of whom never heard a Gospel sermon 
before. The whole market was moved, and ' the place shaken.' 
Such a day was never seen in Carrigallen previously. ' A plentiful 
rain descended to confirm the inheritance, for it was truly 
weary.' It was a time both of weeping and rejoicing. In the 
evening of the same day, at Mrs. Love's of Corduff, they had 
to preach in the open field, and the heavenly fire spread 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



127 



all around. Many were set at liberty. The meeting continued 
until late at night. 

' I trust/ says Mr. Graham, ' the fire will burn until it purges 
all the country.' 

These were surely days of the Son of Man. The writer has 
a particular interest in that part of the kingdom, inasmuch as, 
thirty years after, in 183 1, he mtnessed a similar outpouring 
of the Spirit It is recorded in the October Magazine iox 1832 : — 

'The next place visited in an extraordinary manner was Carrig- 
allen. Here, on the morning previously, the town was filled 
with blood-thirsty men, who beat each other most unmercifully. 
They were all Romanists, and one of them since died of the 
wounds he received. In a few days we had the gratification of 
seeing a house filled with mourners crying for mercy, ten of 
whom stood up and praised God for pardoning mercy.' 

From Carrigallen the missionaries repaired to Cloone still, 
further into the County Leitrim. This, Mr. Graham calls, 
* Satan's seat,' and where many of ' his blood-men ' resided, 
whom he employed ' at fairs and markets for bloody work.' 
They thought to begin their bloody work this day also, but the 
hook was in the jaw. The Lord made their wrath to praise 
Him. The country is mostly Roman Catholic, but the mis- 
sionaries failed not to show how they were duped, and kept in 
the dark by the priests and the pope, in withholding the 
Scriptures from them. The magistrates, Messrs. West and 
Crofton, attended the preaching, and testified their full appro- 
bation. This was surely bearding the lion in his own den. 

* How mean the triumphs shown by haughty Rome, 
When marched her heroes to the trophied dome, 
Compared with those celestial spirits yield 
To men who vanquished in a nobler field.' 

From Cloone they went to Mohill, where the Word was 
blessed to many. Thence they proceeded to Leitrim town, 
where their preaching produced similar results. They returned 



128 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



back to the market of Mohill again, where the Catholics cried 
out ' we never heard such things before but in the evening 
many were enabled to rejoice in a sin-pardoning Saviour. 
After this they arrived in Longford. Here they took the street, 
and most of the Methodists stood about them, which many are 
now, in 1868, very reluctant to do in several places. The 
priests were enraged, and warned their flocks not to listen. 
Numbers, however, did hear, and heard to purpose. The mis- 
sionaries told them that neither their Church, nor their priests, 
nor masses, nor purgatory could save them. Nothing but faith 
in the atoning blood of Christ (Heb. ix. 22) could justify them. 
Of the following Sabbath Mr. Graham states have seen good 
days in Longford when I travelled the circuit, but I never saw 
a better day than this.' 

They then visited Killashee, where the minister of the 
Established Church, on the Sunday before, denied the ' witness 
of the Spirit,' and said— 'We cannot discern the ordinary 
operations of the Spirit from our own feelings.' 'But,' says 
Mr. Graham, 'I preached from i Cor. ii. 12, "Now we have 
received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of 
God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us 
of God."' At Kenagh, another place they visited, the cries of 
the people were alarming, but the Lord was present to heal. 
Thirteen joined the Methodist society. At Barry, a village 
proverbial for blasphemy, the Lord sent His blessing with the 
street address, and added ten* to the little society. At Bally- 
mahon, 'which,' Mr. Graham states, 'lies in the "region and 
shadow of death," the devil raised a tumult by sending a mad 
woman to annoy us. She made a horrible noise by loud 
blasphemy. The mob began to throw stones, encouraged by 
the bishop's brother. One of the stones cut one of our friends 
in the head.' 

This appears to have been an old practice in the County 
Longford, and a recent one as well, as was witnessed lately in 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



129 



Granard. The missionaries besought the Most High to over- 
turn the devil's kingdom in this ungodly town. 

At Ballyhownas they ploughed on hard rocks, but some of 
the ground gave way at length. In Mullingar, on the market- 
day, they preached with their 'black caps on.' Nearly all the 
market people followed them, and among the number the 
pj'iest, but not to hear \ rather 

* To scattej', tear, and slay, ' 

He ran through the people like a mad dog, and strove to hunt 
them away. Mr. Graham spoke softly to him, on which he 
walked off, and they then preached. The people heard atten- 
tively. Graham and Ouseley continued here for a few days, 
and the Lord gave them te7t souls 'for their hire.' But they 
had to suffer a little more in the way of persecution, for a mob 
shouted them out of what they call ' a wicked town of ignorance 
and error.' 

From this they repaired to Goshm^ and it was so in reality 
as well as in name. Here they stopt with the M'Cutcheon 
family, and spent 'a very happy Sabbath.' A rich shower of 
blessing descended on the little inheritance, and some were 
' added to the Lord and to His Church by His will' At Lisduff 
they had to preach outside, and had 'a glorious awakening.' 
Roman Catholics as well as Protestants were alarmed, and 
cried for mercy. The priests here were very active to keep 
the people away, but they could not. Still their curse was 
dreaded, especially by those whose minds were only half- 
ojDened. On the 8th of June the missionaries came to Granard. 
noii) a place of greater notoriety than ever. They preached in 
the market. 

' The priest,' says Mr. Graham ' spoke in his chapel against 
us, yet hundreds followed us as we rode through the market. 
The people stopped to hear, and did so with the greatest 
patience. We denounced purgatory, and told them of a simple 

I 



130 



THE LIFE OF THE REV, C. GRAHAM, 



cure to get rid of all this superstitious nonsense, namely, to 
keep a hard hold of their money/ 

The people commended them for their honest dealing and 
plainness, and it would appear as if truth so far prevailed with 
double sway. While at prayer there was a great sensation of 
deep concern through the whole street. The following portion 
of the prayer is recorded : — ^ O Lord, water the seed with the 
dew of Thy grace, and cause it to bring forth fruit a hundred- 
fold.' Hundreds also followed the missionaries to the Market- 
house, and there they had cause to believe ^ their labour was 
not in vain in the Lord.' 

They returned, on the loth of June, to Mr. Harpur's, of 
Drumlamey, after this very arduous tour. Mr. Graham re- 
marks — ^ This country (Killeshandra circuit) is all on fire. The 
work of the Lord goes on rapidly. The meeting to-night (June 
lo) lasted until eleven o'clock. Vast numbers saved from 
guilt, and others sought and obtained "sanctifying grace." 
Several Roman Catholics have been converted since we left, 
and have left the mass altogether. Nothing,' adds Mr. 
Graham, 'mil do now but hurling the artillery of heaven 
against the strongholds of Babylon. Nothing else mil shake 
her foundations, and destroy her hell-born errors.' Two of the 
Roman Catholics were saved at this meeting. Next day 
Graham and Ouseley preached in the open air ; and such was 
the deep distress of many, that they had to retire, when the 
shades of night came on, to a large barn, and did not leave it 
until twelve o'clock that night. About forty found peace. Four 
of them had been Rom.an Catholics. This was surely ^tlie 
Lord's doings, and marvellous in their eyes,' at that time, and 
marvellous in our eyes still. At BallyconneU the ingathering 
v/as great, and many Roman Catholics heard for etemit}^ 

At Swanlinbar, on the 13th June, it vv'as still more so. The 
rich heard as well as the poor. The Catholics vvere greatly 
affected. At some of the meetings, many swooned away, and 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



lay motionless for some time ; but they invariably came out of 
it unspeakably happy ; and not one injured in body or mind. 
Here they dealt heavy blows against the practice of the priests 
quenching candles and ringing bells, to excommunicate those who 
heard 'the black caps;' but the people said, 'the preachers tell the 
honest truth.^ 'Yes,' says Graham, 'and the cause of truth, 
like Aaron's serpent, is swallowing up all error.' At Violet 
Hill the prospect was that of Mille?i7iial glory. At Lisbellaw the 
cry of the Catholics for mercy was most affecting. It was 
literally a waiL At the next service it was still more surprising 
— fear and shame had fled. The Catholics cried aloud, 'Have 
we,' said they, ' believed the doctrine of devils, and renounced 
the Gospel of God for the commandments of men?' It was the 
same in Brookborough. 

We come now to the last extract of Mr. Graham's journal for 
this half year, and which brings their labours up to the tim_e of 
Conference, July, 1801 : 

* We accompanied Mr. Alcom, ' says Graham, * to the Quarterly iNIeeting 
(or Love Feast) near Fivemiletown, on the Brookborough circuit. Here 
we had a great company, which no house could hold. We took possession 
of a large garden ; it was nearly full, and there we held the Love Feast. 
Oh, such an ingathering of souls ! The Spirit of the Lord descended in an 
abundant manner. The shout of a king was heard in our camp, and the 
voice of new-bom souls was sweet. It was a day of the Son of Man.' 

On their return to Brookborough, they met a man who 
appears, from Mr. Graham's description, to bear all the marks 
of Terence M'Gowan — familiarly called Terry M'Gowan — the 
famous cock-fighter, who lived near Maguiresbridge. His 
conversion was on this wise. He came to the town with a 
game-cock to enter that day in 'the ring.' On his turning the 
corner of the street, mth the cock under his long swallow-tailed 
coat, two men on horseback, with 'black caps,' presented them- 
selves to him. He was astonished, but more so when he heard 
them describe, in his own sweet-toned Irish language, the 



132 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



solemnities of Hhe day for which all other days were made;' 
together mth the fearful doom of the wicked for ever, as also 
the joy of the righteous at God's right hand, and then urging 
all to an immediate surrender to Christ. Poor Terry w^as 
indeed terrified, and actually thought the day of judgment was 
just at hand. He also thought it was high time for him to 
begin to pray, and involuntarily put both hands together, and 
lifted them up towards heaven, and no doubt with streaming 
eyes. Of course the game-cock ^^^i, perhaps to fall into better 
hands, but this was a matter of perfect indifference wath 
Terence. He prayed, and wept, and cried aloud again and 
again to God for mercy, for Christ's sake; and w^hile pleading 
thus, the Lord, in compassion, spoke peace to his bewildered 
and alarmed conscience. Then and there he could now sing, 
as ^rith buoyant heart and step he bounded home to tell his 
wife and children the strange victory he obtained, not at the 
cock-pit, but the one described, in the language of Charles 
Wesley :— 

* My God is reconciled, 

His pardoning voice I hear. 
He o^vns me for His child, 

I can no longer fear ; 
With confidence I now draw nigh ; 
And Father, Abba, Father, cr)'.' 

Of course his terrified wife and children did not know what 
to make of it, and thought he was deranged. He had all of 
them on their knees at once, to return thanks to God for the 
deliverance obtained. His wife, supposing him insane, sent 
one of her children to a neighbour's house, to beseech them to 
send immediately for the priest, for that 'Terry had come 
home from the market out of his mind.' 

The priest was not long coming, and inquired of Teny^ 
^ what was the matter ? ' 

^ Never better in my life^' said Terry. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



^Nonsense,' said the priest; 'did you hear the black 
caps?' 

' I did,' said Terry, ' thank God.' 

*So I thought,' said the priest; ^ those fellows would set the 
world mad Will you now mind your business, Terry, and go 
to your duty on next Sabbath ?' 

^ I wiiy said Terry, ^ if your reverence does one thing for 
me.' 

* What is that^ Terry?' said the priest 

^ It is to come with me to Maguiresbridge, in order to get 
the Lord to und? what He did for me there to-day.' 

^ What did He do for you there?' said the priest. 

^ He said to me there,' said Terry — ^ Terry M^Gowan^ "your 
sins, which are many, are all forgiven you." ' 

^ I give you up as a lost case,' said the priest 

From that forth Terry was allowed to go on his way rejoic- 
ing — ^waxing stronger and stronger,' He began to hold 
prayer meetings round the country, and became a 'burning and 
a shining light ' — at least in his own plain way, for many years. 
He was made exceedingly useful in his day, and has long since 
passed away ' trium.phant to the skies.' I went out of my way 
to see his daughter some years ago, in the County Fermanagh, 
and found her aged and afflicted, but very happy in God. It is 
most likely that all the family have landed safely ere this in • the 
palace of angels and God ' It is said that his Roman Catholic 
neighbours made a hard struggle to secure for him a visit from a 
priest before he died, and when he was very feeble ; but they were 
baffled, and when the Church of England clergyman came, he 
would not allow him to use a form of prayer in the celebration 
of the Lord's Supper at his dying bed, lest it might have the 
slightest semblance of changing the elements ; he required him 
to pray twice extempore, and then prayed himself as he said 
he ' wanted a clearer manifestation of God's countenance 1 ' 
The power of God descended, and His glory filled the place. 



134 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



It is said that the Episcopal minister had cause to bless God for 
that day. Thus the Lord put honour on His servant in death 
as well as in life, proving that ' precious in the sight of the 
Lord is the death of his saints.' We are here reminded of the 
motto on Latimer's crown, ^win and wear;' and of Terry 
M^Gowan we would record one in his own loved tongue, 
' Thrid she agus boohee,'' that is, ^ he fought and con- 
quered.' 

I find a condensation of the labours of Graham and Ouseley 
for the few closing weeks of this Methodistic year, namely, 
those in the end of May and the beginning of June, wTitten 
by one of the Wesleyan ministers, who was an eye-witness in 
several places. Writing to Dr. Coke, he says : — 

* The two Irish missionaries — Brothers Graham and Ouseley — met me in 
Carrigallen, in the County Leitrim, where we had the greatest outpouring- 
of the Holy Spirit. Brother Ouseley preached in a field, and towards the 
conclusion the cry of mourners broke out. There they continued until the 
clouds of heaven drove us all into a large bam, where we remained a long 
time. Many were converted, but next day surpassed all. Brother Graham 
preached on a hill near Corlispratten to many hundreds. It was tlie 
Sabbath. The cry of mourners broke out again. Ah, dear sir, how 
awful to hear persons crying aloud for mercy in the open air; and how 
encouraging to witness many finding the pearl of great price 

We would say, how delightful as well. ^ Blessed are they 
that mourn,' are our Lord's words. We would here record 
what Mr. Simeon used to say — ^ Of all men in the world, the 
Christian pastor should be a man of an affectionate heart j for 
as well might you have a marble statue to supply the place of 
a real father, as a marble-headed preacher to supply the place 
of a real and affectionate pastor. ' 

' A sermon cold and poor,' says Claude, 'will do more mis- 
chief in an hour than an hundred rich ones will replace/ 

The affectionate, glowing, sanctified heart, after all, is the 
true source of genuine pulpit eloquence. 

Jerome used to say, ' It is not the clamour of praise, but the 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



groans of conviction, that should be heard whilst the minister 
preaches.' And again, ^The tears of the congregation form 
the highest praises of the pulpit orator.' 

No wonder that such glorious triumphs would lead these 
men of God to imagine that the whole land would soon bow 
to the sway of truth, and that sin and error would speedily flee 
from the earth. The increase for this year in bona fide members 
of the Methodist society was 3,065, besides vast multitudes of 
congregational members. They might well labour on while 
thus cheered, and sing and pray as well — 

' Jesus, the word bestow, 

The true, immortal seed; 
Thy Gospel then shall greatly grow, 
And all our land o'erspread.' 



XI. 



*This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and 
rea :hing forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark 
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.' 

The Apostle Paul. 



* Lives of great men all remind us 

We can make our lives sublime, 
And departing leave behind us 

Footprints on the sands of time ; 
Footprints that, perhaps, another, 

Sailing o'er life's solemn main, 
A forlorn and shipwreck' d brother, 

Seeing, shall take heart again. 
Let us, then, be up and doing ; 

Let your annour be complete ; 
Still advancing, still pursuing, 

Leam to labour and to wait.' 



Longfellow. 



CHAPTER XL 



JULY 1 80 1 TO JULY 1802. 

Graham and Ouseley's appointments. — Three of missionaries 

RETIRE, two from OVER EXERTION. — OPINION OF THE CON- 
ference in regard to the effects of the general mission. — 
Dr. Coke's opinion. — Mr. Wesley's opinion of the Irish. — 
Rev. Dr. W. Crook's opinion of the general mission. — Mr. 
Graham's letter to Dr. Coke. — Labours at^Bandon, Clonmel, 
Waterford. — Rev. M. Lanktree's opinion. — Intelligence 
from Cork, Dunmanway, Ballydehob, Newry, and several 
PLACES. — Rev. Mr. Ridgeway.— Rev. W. Reilly. — A late 
writer's opinion. — Poetry. 



|HE General Mission appointments of the Conference 
of 1 80 1 were limited to three, as follow: — Graham 
and Ouseley, province of Ulster, and south and west 
also ; Laurence Kane, south of Ireland. Two brethren retired 
to circuit work from ill health. The other was appointed 
to circuit work also. The great and unprecedented success of 
the general mission justified the Conference in inserting in the 
minutes of this year (1801) the following, in the way of ques- 
tion and answer. It would do credit to apostolic times, and 
is worthy of the brightest days of the Church of Christ. It is 
truly a gem of missionary intelligence : — 

& I. ' What success has attended the Irish missions in the last year? 
A, I. *The success of the northern mission (on which Messrs. Graham 
and Ouseley laboured) has been very considerable among the Roman 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



Catholics; and secondly, its influence h:is been almost unbounded in 
stirring up the Protestants, and has been the means of the conversion of 
vast numbers in connexion ^vith the labours of the regular preachers I 

2. ' In respect to the zvestern Diission — first, in various places in the West 
many hundreds, and frequently thousands, of the Roman Catholics have 
attended the preachmg of the missionaries ; and if weeping, t?'emb^inr^ and 
fallmg down in the streets, be marks of being awakened, or at leas: being 
deeply affected, great good has been done in this quarter! Secondly, 
many Protestants have been stirred up, and a considerable number con- 
verted to God. 

3. * In respect to the Soidh — first, very large congregations of Roman 
Catholics attended the missionaries in general in the streets, and many fol- 
lowed the missionaries to the preaching-houses deeply affected. Secondly, 
in the city of Limerick and the neighbom-ing countr)-, multitudes of Roman 
Catholics heard -^rith attention : many appeared to be truly awakened, and 
there was every appearance of a good work. ' 

Dr. Coke, in re\Te^"ing the labours of the t^vo first years of 
this Irish General ^Mission, T^Tites : — 

^ In my humble judgment, the whole empire is, in a poUtical point of 
-^dew, concerned in the success of this mission. I believe there is not a 
nobler or a more important charit}- than the object which it contemplates, 
namely, the conversion and regeneration of all Ireland. If the warm affec- 
tions of the Irish can be engaged on the side of truth, they will become one 
of the most virtuous and religious nations on the globe. ' 

•What a nation is this." says !Mr. ^\"esley, in his journals, in 
allusion to their ^willingness to hear : • for ever}- man, woman, 
and child, nor only patiently, but gladly, suffer the word of ex- 
hortation, except a few of the great vulgar.' 

In another place, in allusion to one of his \isits to Athlone, 
he says. ' Rich and poor, Protestants and Papists, gathered 
together from ever}- side, and deep attention sat upon all' 
And again he calls them ' the most inmieasiuably lo\-ing people 
in the world.' 

In the English Address of this year to the Irish Conference, 
the great revival is thus recognised in the fomi of prayer: — 
' May this great revival continue to increase until Ireland flame. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



-v^ith the love and glory of God.' The increase in Ireland this 
year was 4,941. 

A modem writer, the Rev. W. Crook, D.D., and the impas- 
sioned friend of the general mission, asserts — ' The general 
mission should receive a generous support from our people, 
both in England and America. Indeed, there should be a 
general missionary for each of our provinces, and it would well 
repay its cost a hundred-fold. We might double or treble our 
membership in Ireland in a few years ; and who can tell what 
the result would be upon the cause of Protestant Christianity 
in this and other lands.' 

Immediately after this Conference of 1801, Mr. Graham, 
accompanied by Mr. Ouseley, set out for the South, and his 
letter to Doctor Coke wall suffice, in lieu of his journal, to 
show the marvellous success which attended their united 
labours in that part of the country : — 

'MONAGHAN, March 17, 1802. 
* Reverend and dear Sir, — We had a prosperous journey on our 
way to Limerick. We took the streets as we passed along, The people 
everywhere heard, and wept, and prayed. The Romish clergy cannot keep 
the people from hearing us now. A great fire broke out on the countr}' 
part of the Limerick circuit, and continues burning. Catholics have left 
all to follow Christ. We passed on to the County Kerry, where rich out- 
pourings of the Holy Spirit were vouchsafed. In Tralee hell appeared to 
be let loose. [Eleven years after his first attempt there, but which appears to 
be forgotten.] We took the street. My voice, which is pretty strong, was 
drowned, the uproar was so great ; and five magistrates, officers, yeomen, and 
ma7iy Protestants availed nothing. We had to get a guard of soldiers that 
evening (Sabbath) while we preached to hundreds in the Court-house; and 
many of the Catholics came in spite of their clergy. One of them charged 
the priest **for keeping him in the dark so long." Another charged three 
of them, saying, Your people are in the dark, and so would you have it." 
From thence we went to Skibbereen and that neighbourhood, where the 
work, outside and inside, was most amazing. The whole country appeared 
alarmed. The Catholics flocked in multitudes to hear, but on the Sabbath 
the priest rode furiously through the people. The crowd was great, and 
great numxbers tumbled over each other, while he lashed them with his whip ; 



140 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



but we kept our ground. When the hurry was over, many of them came 
to hear us again, and declared **they would follow us all over the world." 
The power of the Lord fell mightily on the people of Bantry; no opposition 
there but from an old woman. Satan was far gone for friends. One 
Catholic young woman cried aloud for mercy ; and many fell, powerfully 
convinced, and then believed to the saving of the soul. 

''*Deep wounded by the Spirit's sword, 
And then by Gilead's balm restored." ' 

After this they spent seven hard days' labour in and about 
Bandon, and were abundantly repaid by numerous tokens of 
• powder from on high,' both inside and outside of doors. These 
were days of the Son of Man. Mr. Graham heard of the illness 
of his wife, and resolved to return to Monaghan, Mr. Ouseley 
accompanying him. They sounded the alarm in every place — 
an alami well calculated to awaken ' the dead in trespasses and 
in sins.' In Kinsale and Cork the Word was with great povrer. 
They travelled on horseback, in all, two hundred and thirty statute 
miles, in five and a half days, more than forty miles a day, and 
preached mo7iiing^ noon^ and nighty thus performing a journey on 
horseback, perhaps unparalleled even in Irish horsemanship, con- 
sidering the amount of labour included. When they arrived in 
ISIonaghan, ]Mr. Graham says, ' I found my dear wife just reco- 
vering from the j aws of death. ' Mr. Graham had had no previous 
intimation of Mrs. Graham being so unw^ell, until he received 
the letter in Bandon ; but the Lord had mercy on her, and on 
him also, in thus ha-vdng spared to him ^one of the best of 
wives.' After spending a little time at home, they prepared 
for another visit to the South, as they said they did not finish 
their work there, which they accomplished before the Conference 
of 1802. In this last jom'ney they spent twelve weeks, in the 
former eighteen 3 making thirty weeks in the South and East 
alone during the year. 

Mr. Lanktree, then stationed on the W^aterford circuit, mites 
concerning this last visit, thus : — 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



141 



* We had a visit from the Irish missionaries, Messrs. Graham 
and Ouseley. I took my stand with them on horseback in the 
street of ClonmeL They were violently opposed by the mob, 
but they preached, notwithstanding, with fearless fidelity. The 
champions of Satan put up a madman to preach in derision, 
but he did them no harm.' 

Here they laboured in the midst of great opposition for some 
three or four days. ^ Their visit, ' says Mr. Lanktree, ' through 
the goodness of God, tended very much to serve the cause of 
truth in Clonmel and in Waterford. Their word vv'as with 
power.' 

Just at this time several letters were flying through the 
kingdom relative to the extraordinary work which v^as spreading 
and prevailing east, west, north, and south. One wites from 
Ban don : — 

' Blessed be God, I have something worthy to communicate. 
The society here numbers two hundred of an increase. The 
flame has spread through all the western circuits, so that it is 
little less than "a nation bom in a day.'" 

Another writes from Cork: — ' Foo7' and rich, profane and 
rd07'al, scoffer and inqid7'er, Papist and Pj^otestant, all indiscri- 
minately fall beneath the mighty power of God, In ten days no 
less than one hundred and seventy souls were brought to God.' 

Another \\Tites from the South : — ' O brother ! never did any 
one now living see such a day as this. At Ballydehob, it seemed 
in one sense as the day of judgmxcnt vs^hen penitents were ciying 
for mercy ; but it was the day of salvation, for no less than 
sixty found peace with God. In Dunmanway thirty, and thirty 
added to the society. In other places twenty-nine found the 
mercy of God.' 

Another mites from the North about the same time : — ' I 
cannot relate the sixth part of the good vvork. It broke out at 
Newry with us. In these places, including NewT}^, ninety-eight 
found peace; on the side of the mountain seventy-two were set 



142 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

at liberty ; and at Dungannon, in one day, sixty were converted. 
The Irish missionaries,' writes the last correspondent, ' Graham 
and Ouseley travelled this country, but two such men for an 
apostolic, fearless spirit, I never saw. Great success attends 
their ministry. At Fivemiletown, a hundred and fifty have joined 
the society since they left. Prisons and death seem no more 
to them than liberty and life. There is a revival in all the 
neighbouring circuits, namely, Brookborough^ Clones^ Bally- 
connell, Sligo^ E7iniskillen^ Ballijianiallard^ Newtownstewart^ 
Belfast,' &c. 

This last communication is from the pen of the Rev. M. 
Ridgeway. 

Another preacher writes from the North, to Dr. Coke : — ' I 
cannot but attribute the late extraordinary revivals in the North 
to the general missionaries. They have " provoked us to 
jealousy," and made us ashamed to stand still whilst they are 
labouring with all their might, both day and night. We have 
added two hundred and twenty-six in Downpatrick, and a 
hundred and one on trial, and about two hundred were justified.' 

^ It was,' says the Rev. W. Reilly, ^ at this critical period, just 
after the land was saturated and sickened with hostility and 
blood, that these heralds of grace unfurled the banner of the 
cross to their perishing countrymen. The very rocks and 
glens which reverberated with the clangour of arms, and the 
roar of the cannon now echoed the joyful sound of the Gospel 
trumpet of jubilee. The very streets, which had been deluged 
with human gore, were now refreshed with the streams of ''the 
water of life." The towns and districts which had been the 
theatres of sanguinary conflict, were now cheered by the pro- 
clamation of a free and full salvation, "without money and 
v/ithout price;" while the rolling tide of Divine power seemed 
to bear down all opposition before it, wherever they came.' 

Oh, that the Most High would now, in 1868, baptize and 
send forth another band of such wayfaring men, after the 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



feverish excitement into which this country has been plunged 
for the last few years. And of this there is hope, thank God. 
A late writer states^ that ' With the man of the world religion 
is regarded merely as a battle^ but no hymn ; according to the 
monk it is a mere hymn and not a battle; but according to the 
practical Christian, it is both a battle and a hymn together' It 
was so with these men of God; constant conflict and constant 
triumph marked their daily and onward career. 



* We go not forth, like men of old, 

Cities and lands to win ; 
But oh, we wage a deadlier strife 

Against the hosts of sin. 
Strong in our God, and in His niight, 

The Spirit's sword we wield \ 
And in His name abide the fight 

On our own battle field,' 




XIL 

' Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God.' — Matthew v. 8. 

* Jesus, I my cross have taken, 

All to leave and follow Thee ; 
All things else for Thee forsaken. 

Thou from hence my all shalt be. 
Perish every fond ambition. 

All I've sought, or hoped, or known, 
Yet how^ rich is my condition ! 

God and heaven are still my own. 

Let the world despise and leave me, 

It has left my Sa\'iour too ; 
Human hearts and looks deceive me. 

Thou art not like them untrue. 
And whilst Thou dost smile upon me, 

God of wisdom, love and might. 
Foes may hate and friends deceive me. 

Show Thy love, and all is right. 

Go, then, earthly fame and treasure, 

Come disaster, scorn, and pain ; 
In Thy service pain is pleasure. 

With Thy favour love is gain. 
I have called Thee Abba, Father, 

I have set m.y heart on Thee ; 
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather. 

All must work for good for me.' 



CHAPTER XII. 



MEANS ADOPTED FOR A MORE EXTENSIVE REVIVAL. 

The general mission appointments for 1802. — ^^Increase during 

THREE FIRST YEARS OF THE GENER.\L MISSION, 10,473- — IRISH 

Address to the English Conference.- — The missionaries visit 

THE EASTERN PART OF THE KINGDOM. — GrEAT PERSECUTION IN 

Kilkenny. — Mr. Ouseley wrote to the Catholic Bishop. — 
Appointments for 1803. — Mr. Reilly's account of same. — 
Also Mr. Lanktree's account. — Favourable reception in 
Kilkenny. — Death of Rev. John Johnston. — Question and 
answers relative to the best means of promoting a revival. 
— Appointments of 1804. — Mr. Ouseley's letter to Dr. Coke, 
— Visit to Carlow. — Ditto to Kilkenny, third time. — Letter 
to Mr. Graham from Miss Ould, Coleraine. — jMissionary 
appointments for 1805. — Increase oe same. — ^^1802 to 1805. 




HE General Mission appointments for this year were 
as follow : — 

* Connauglit and the County Clare — Laurence Kane, Thomas 
Allen. 

* The rest of Munster, Leuister, and Connaught — Charles Graham, 
Gideon Ouseley.^ 

The increase for this last year in the Irish connexion 
amounted to 2,467, which added to the two former years make 
exactly the amazing number of 10,473 ! — and that in three 
years!! Well may we exclaim, Svhat hath God ■v\Tought]' 
We can now see the kind hand of our God in all this, if it were 
nothing else but to cheer the hearts of His servants, who bore 
so patiently, the burden and the heat of the day.' It was at 

K 



146 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



the risk of life they travelled through the kingdom during the 
past three or four years, and especially in traveUing to and 
from Conference. 

In the Irish Address to the English Conference for this year 
(1802) the following is recorded: — 'Two thousand souls and 
upwards were added to our numbers this last year, among 
whom were several poor Catholics, now worshipping God in 
spirit and in truth. Thus has a gracious Providence favoured 
us hitherto, and especially so during the last year.' 

These two missionaries, now c/iie/s in the mission field, and 
giant champions for truth, having been appointed principally 
to the eastern part of the kingdom, immediately set out for 
Wicklow, Wexford, Kildare, Carlow, and Kilkenny. In Ennis- 
corthy, near to which stands the famous Vinegar Hill, and w^here 
so much blood was wantonly shed, they took their stand in the 
principal street, mounted on their horses, wdth their black caps 
on. They first sung a hymn, which had a wonderful efiect. 
Then they ' preached the Word,' which fell with great power 
on all who heard it ; and some of the fruit remains to this very 
year, as the witer lately found out in a visit to that town. 
And no wonder. They went fresh from their knees in private, 
where they pleaded for the baptism of fire, and inflamed with a 
Saviour's dying love, they hastened to the rescue of the slaves 
of sin and hell, and then preached with ' the Holy Ghost sent 
down from heaven.' Yea, 

* With cries, entreaties, tears, to save, 
To snatch them from the gaping grave.' 

They had not, however, the same success or tranquillity in 
Wexford, for while Mr. Ouseley was preaching, a mason on a 
scafi"old pelted him with stones, which was near costing the 
stone-thrower his life, for another desperado, in his way, 
rushed forward to pull down the ladder. Had this been done, 
the mason would soon have had little power to throw stones 
again. But Mr. Ouseley observed the act, and cried out, 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



^ Let him alone!" During this tour they preached nineteen times 
in the streets of sixteen towns, besides the sermons inside ! 
Many Roman CathoUcs heard, and when any one disturbed 
the preachers, others came forward and quelled the rioters. 
Several were in each place awakened. In Hacketstown the 
priest passed by quietly, and all remained ; the whole street 
was filled ; tracts were taken eagerly. At Fethard two Catholic 
girls were cut to the heart. One of these was bribed for a 
while. The priest gave her three guineas, but ^ she has since, 
says Mr. Graham, * given them the slip, and followed us four 
miles in deep distress of mind. I hope many more have 
received the seed of the kingdom. Our way was opened 
everywhere, until we came to Kilkenny \ but here they were 
bent on murdering us. I got several bruises. The whole city 
was in an uproar. It was fearful to witness the flinging of 
stones, and to hear the shouting. We found shelter in the 
barrack, but it required all the power of the mayor and the 
commanding officer to escort us on safely out of the city. 
Some of the mob went before us to stone us again ! I greatly 
pitied them,' says Graham ; * for how will they ever see the 
light unless it is thus brought publicly before them?' 

^ I wrote,' says Mr. Ouseley, ' to the Catholic bishop, and 
expostulated with him on the barbarity of his people. After 
this we took the street of Athy, and had a blessed time. We 
are greatly worn down, and Brother Graham had to keep his 
bed for some days.' 

We may surely apply these lines of Charles Wesley — 

* The tokens of Thy love 

On every side we see, 
And crowds begotten from above 

Stretch out their hands to Thee. 
Against the evil day" 

Ready prepared we stand, 
To turn Thy vengeful wrath away, 

And save a guilty land.' 



iaS the life of the rev. c. graham, 

from july 1803 to july 1804. 
The appointments for this year are as follows : — 

' IRISH MISSIONARIES. 

*The Counties of Limerick, Tipperary, Mayo, Galway, and Clare — 
Charles Graham, Gideon Ouseley.' 

We see from the number of the missionaries being thus 
reduced, that Dr. Coke's resources must have failed. The 
demands on him from the foreign stations were very numerous, 
but he more than made up for this declension, as we will find 
during the following eight or ten years. 

Mr. Reilly states, that ' during this year they were acknow^- 
ledged in every place, and some of the circuits were remarkably 
visited by the power and presence of God. ' 

Mr. Lanktree also states of this year — ' In Car/ow, during 
this second visit, they preached both in the street and in the 
chapel. The word of life was blessedly triumphant. Their 
preaching in the colliery was attended with the power of God. 
Prejudice and opposition were borne down by the influence of 
truth and love. Ttuejity persons have joined the society.' 

In Kilkenny their reception was now of a different character 
to the former. Both clergy and laity, to their credit, hailed their 
visit with delight. The ringleaders in the previous disturbance 
had been imprisoned. Thus might they confidently trust and 
sweetly sing — 

' Through waves, and clouds, and storms, 
He gently clears thy way ; 
Wait thou His time, so shall this night 
Soon end in joyous day.' 

Thus did they spend this laborious, but happy and successful 
year of hallowed toil. 

During this year the venerable John Johnston, of Lisbum, 
passed triumphantly home, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. 
He was employed by Mr. Wesley for some time as general 
superintendent of our connexion in Ireland. Some of his last 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 149^ 

words were — ^ I can look back with joy on the day when Mr. 
Whitfield preached from the text, Christ our passover is 
sacrificed for us." Whether I was in the body or out of the 
body, I could not tell; but when I appear before my Saviour, 
I will cast my cro^ra at His feet' He soon beheld the God 
he loved so long. (See Minutes, 1803, vol. i., page 168.) 

In the Minutes for the year 1804, vol. i., page 175, we have 
a most important question proposed, to which there are nine 
important directions by way of answers given ; and it is hoped 
we may be excused for introducing them here, at least in 
part :— 

* Q. 23. What can be done for the revival of the work of God in Ireland? 
^A, I. Let ns humble ourselves before God. The re\ival must begin 

witk ourselves. Let us use self-denial. 

^ 2. Let us be more careful in giving to God, through Jesus Christ, the 
entire glory of aU the good wi'ought in and by us. He must be our ' * all 
inalL" 

■' j. Let Tis, as preachers, be more simple, evangelical, practical, and 
jzealous in our preaching. 

'^4. Let ns not aim at what sermon -hunters call fine preacJmig^ in order to 
be popular, 

' 5, Let us frequently insist on the doctrine of original sin. Ii is not 
stale or worn out ; it is fimdamentaL 

^ 6. Let us, above all things, be zealous to bring our hearers to tlie foun-. 
tarn opened for sin and uncleanness. 

* 7, Let us press upon believers the necessity of increasing in holiness^ 
and of dying daily and walking with God. 

*S. Let us faithfully preach practical holiness, and tear the mask from 
the face of the hypocrite. 

* 9. Let us never omit a pointed, faithful, yet losing application at the 
close of our sermons. ' 

JULY 1804 TO JULY 1805. 

* The appomtments for the general mission this year are : — Province of 
Connaught and Leinster — Charles Graham, Gideon Ouseley. Province of 
Ulster — William Hamilton, James Bell.' 

This was the sixth appointment of Graham and Ot iseley to 
be companions in honour and dishonour, and neve'r did two 



ISO THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

yoke-fellows work so freely or so lovingly. Mr. Graham 
became unwell after the Conference. 

Mr. Ouseley writes to Dr. Coke thus : — ' Brother Graham is 
blessedly recovered, and we mean to set out to-morrow for our 
destination, namely, Counties Wicklow and Wexford first I 
hope we shall have a good year. I dreamed last night that I 
was preaching and weeping over poor sinners. I have often 
found it so these five years past. I hope our dear friends and 
brethren will, as I believe they do, continue to help us in their 
constant prayers.' 

Thus prepared, they started, and prosecuted the year's labour 
with unabated ardour. Prejudices were giving way in every 
direction, and Gospel truth bearing glorious sway even where 
the greatest obstacles opposed. In Carlow, whilst they 
preached in the street and in the chapel, the word of life was 
again triumphant — twenty persons gave in their names to 
meet in society. In Kilkenny, where the missionaries were 
formerly ill-treated, they are now honoured. Indeed, they 
were greatly honoured and abundantly successful everywhere 
this year — as if the Lord would specially and signally mark the 
last year of their united toil with His richest blessings. In one 
place fen or /w/z/^ joined society, six of whom were Romanists. 
In another place thirty joined class, of vdiom two were 
Catholics. In this place there was a great revival. In another 
town twenty-one joined the Methodist society. During the 
latter end of this year they paid a third visit to Kilkenny, and 
the record of it is — * Several members were added to the 
society;' and on the Carlow circuit 'there were one hundred 
and fifty added, and many of them savingly converted to 
God.' 

During this year Mr. Graham received a letter from a highly 
respectable lady, who lived in Coleraine, but was now at Dun- 
gannon on a visit She was brought to God through his in- 
strumentahty. The following is an extract : — 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



* Many thanks to my dear brother Graham for his kind and very acceptable 
letter of 13th inst. Blessed be God, who has done much for me, and kept 
my face S ion ward. I think I take delight in everything, whatsoever, that 
has a tendency to promote His glory and honour. The more I know of my 
Lord and Saviour the more I delight in Him and in all His ways. I do 
determine, with the assistance of His Holy Spirit, to take up my cross 
daily and follow Him. I was truly thankful to hear from you that the 
work of the Lord was in so prosperous a way, and I sincerely pray that the 
Lord may abundantly reward you both (including Mr. Ouseley) for your 
work of labour in His vineyard. On last Sunday we were favoured with 
two of the missionaries, Messrs. Hamilton and Bell. They preached at 
four o'clock P.M. in the street, and in the house at seven. They read over 
their journals of what had passed since they set out. Next day was the 
Quarterly Meeting (Love Feast). I think that the power of the Lord was much 
there. It reminded me of the first Sunday you preached in Coleraine. There 
were numbers of penitents, both men and women, crying aloud for mercy. 
,Such a sight I never saw before. Some found pardon before I left, about 
three o'clock. Others remained until near the evening service. Remember 
me, with much regard and good wishes, to your son and daughter ; also to 
Brother and Sister Ouseley, who, I hope, are as well as I wish them to be. 
I remain, my dear Brother Graham, wishing you every happiness, spiritual 
and temporal, your truly affectionate friend and sister in the Lord Jesus, 

* Eliza Ould.' 

The period is now fast approaching when those two kindred 
spirits, Graham and Ouseley, must part, the very anticipation 
of which must have affected each other very keenly. They 
travelled thousands of miles together ; slept hundreds of tim^es 
together ; endured the rigours of winter and the heat of summer 
together ; shared each other's trials and triumphs j preached 
thousands of sermons in each other's hearing ; and, best of all, 
witnessed thousands of conversions together : and yet we never 
hear a word of jealousy, or even the breath of suspicion, to 
cause either a momicnt's pain. For this we ' glorify the grace 
of God in them.' Their love was that of David and Jonathan; 
but still there may have been great wisdom in the act of 
separation, each taking a young man, and thereby more effec- 
tually to perpetuate and extend the missionary spirit 

Accordingly, at the approaching Conference, they vv^ere to be 



THE IJFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



told off to different parts of the country, each with his new 
colleague, and the missionary staff to be greatly augmented. 
Very likely the state of the missionar}^ exchequer was in a 
more healthy condition than it was previously, for we find no 
less than eight men paired off, as if to take the kingdom by 
storm. They stand thus in the minutes for July 1805 to 1806 : — 

^ IRISH MISSIONARIES. 

* Dublin and Cork Districts, and their vicinity — William Hamilton, 
Gideon Ouseley. 

* Limerick and Athlone Districts, and vicinities — Charles Graham, Andrew 
Taylor. 

'Belfast and Newry Districts, and vicinities — Samuel Alcorn, James Bell. 

* Londonderry District, and adjoining coimtry — ^John Hamilton, William 
Peacock.' 



XIII. 



* He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he lore 
God whom he hath not seen ? And this commandment have we from Hhn, 
That he who loveth God love his brother also.' — I John iv, 20^ 21. 

* Go, labom- on ! spend and be spent, 

Thy joy to do thy Father's will ; 
It is the way the Master went, 

Should not the servant tread it still? 

Go, labour on ! enough, enough. 

If Jesus praise thee — if He deign 
To notice e'en the willing mind, 

No toil for Him shall be in vain. 

Go, labour on ! thy hands are weak, 

Thy knees are faint, thy soul cast down ; 

Yet falter not, thy prize is near. 

The throne, the kingdom, and the crown. 

Go, labour on ! while it is day. 

The long dark night is hastening on ; 

Speed, speed thy work, up from thy fear, 
It is not thus that souls are won. 

Toil on, toil on ; thou shalt find 

For labour, rest — for exile, home ; 
Soon shalt thou hear the Bridegroom's voice, 

The midnight peal, Behold I come." ' 

HORATIUS BONAR. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



GRAHAM AND OUSELEY ARE APPOINTED TO DIFFERENT 
DISTRICTS. 

Hymn by Horatius Bonar. — Mr. Graham parts with Mr. Ouseley. 
— Death of Mrs. Graham. — Letter of Mrs. Ouseley. — Con- 
ference RECORD. — Another letter from Mrs. Ould. — Ap- 
pointments FOR 1806. — Letter FROM Mr. Graham to his son. — 
Lorenzo Dow. — His great usefulness. — Ouseley and Hamil- 
ton's GREAT persecution IN EyRECOURT. — REMARKABLE CON- 
VERSION OF A Presbyterian clergyman. — The Thrashers. — 
Conversion of a Roman Catholic. — Mr. Ouseley's horse 
injured. — Conference record of the missions. — Answer of 
British Conference. — Conversion of a persecutor in the 
County Clare. — Another remarkable case at Wexford. 

OW as these venerable men, Graham and Ouseley 
had to part, they, no doubt, could realize the lines 
which they often sung before — 

* And let our bodies part, 
To different climes repair ; 
Inseparably joined in heart 
The friends of Jesus are. 
O let us still proceed 

In Jesu's work below; 
And, following our triumphant Head, 
To further conquests go. ' 

Messrs. Graham and Taylor started for the midland counties, 
while Messrs. Ouseley and Hamilton repaired to the South. 




THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



It appears to have been a year of great affliction to Mr. Graham, 
by reason of the death of his beloved wife. This mournful 
event must have taken place in the spring of the year 1806. 
Although we have no record on which to rely — many of Mr. 
Graham's papers having been lost — but from a letter which 
Mrs. Ouseley writes to young Mr. Graham, in which she 
alludes to his mother ^ being now happy,' we must conclude 
that she passed away some time previously. The letter is too 
valuable to be omitted. It does credit to the head and heart 
of the good lady who wrote it. 

* Sligo, Atigust 30//^, 1806. 

*My very dear Friend and Brother, — I fear by this time you are 
beginning to say, that I am an ungrateful creature ; do not say so, for I am 
not, I assure you. I remember with gratitude your kind attention to me. 
I find the people here are very affectionate. Some of your friends wept a 
good deal when they saw me, as your dear mother and I used to be together 
formerly ; but she is happy, and you and I are still spared. O let us, my 
dear Charles, examine, are we living to please ourselves, or our God ? It 
would be an awful thing to be separated in the great day from our good God, 
and our dear friends who are in glory. There is surely a revival of the work 
of God here. On Sunday week we had a field meeting, and much good was 
done. Old and yoimg backsliders were restored to the favour of God, 
I love long letters, and I love to have something said in praise of the 
heavenly country we are journeying to — mind this. I hope to hear you 
have attended class, and that your soul is prospering. Oh, do, my dear child, 
suffer one that loves you to urge you to attend to that comfortable means 
of grace. My dear Ouseley is about Ballina and Killala at present. The 
Lord is doing wonders. I expect him soon. We are to have another field 
meeting in a week. I wish I had you here, and I am sure you would be the 
better of seeing the poor simple folk coming with all their sins to their 
offended Father. It has done me good. Be sure you come to us at 
Christmas. May every purchased blessing be yours, my dear child, for time 
and eternity. So prays your affectionate friend and sister, 

*Ht. Ouseley.' 

This painful bereavement must have greatly affected both 
father and son ; for they were all three greatly bound up in 
each other's fondest love. Mrs. Graham, no doubt, died as she 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAIM, 



lived, ' looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto 
eternal life.' 

* Happy soul, thy days are ended,. 
All thy mourning days below : 
Go, by angel guards attended, 
To the sight of Jesus, go ! ' 

We have little or no record of this year, except what is stated 
in the Address of the Irish to the English Conference. It is 
this : — ' In many parts of the country much good has been done 
during the past year, by the preaching of the Word. A spirit of 
hearing has been excited in the minds of the people of almost 
all descriptions, insomuch that inconvenience of time (season) 
or place could not prevent hundreds from assembling in the 
streets. These encouraging openings will, we doubt not, be 
productive of the greatest benefit to mankind.' 

]\Iiss Ould, of Coleraine, writes to Mr. Graham again. The 
following is an extract: — 

* Your letter revived my soul very much ; it was a reviving balm. May 
the Lord bless and reward you with His best of blessings. Brother J. 
Stewart is a good young man, and a good preacher ; he will have to exert 
himself very much here. The world is getting a great hold of some of our 
members. I am rejoiced to hear of all the good the Lord is making you 
the instrument of doing. It is a blessed emplo^nnent to be an ambassador 
for the Lord Jesus. May you be cro^vned with success this year also. I 
am sure I have reason to bless and praise the Lord for ever ha\'ing sent you 
to Coleraine, as you and dear Brother Ouseley were the instruments of 
bringing me, a poor, proud, vain sinner, out of darkness; and, blessed be 
His holy name, I have never had the least desire to return to the world 
again. I only regret that I have it not in my power to do more for my^ 
Father's kingdom. I am just thinking what a happiness it mil be when we 
and all the dear followers of the Lord shall meet, never more to part. May 
God of his infinite mercy grant this to be our case. Continue to pray for 
me as I shall do for you. 

'Eliza Ould.* 

JULY 1806. 

At the Conference of this year there w^re ten men appointed 
to the general mission work. It would appear that its popu- 



THE APOSTI^ OF KERRY. 



IS7 



larity was increasing year by year. They were stationed 
thus :— 

I. The Dublin District — Alcorn and Bell. 
•2. The Cork District — Graham and Taylor. 

3. The Limerick and Athlone Districts — W. Hamilton and Ouseley. 

4. The Belfast and Newry Districts — Kerr and M'Cord. 

5. The Londonderry District — J. Hamilton, W. Peacock. 

Immediately after the Conference, Mr. Graham wrote to his 
son in Dublin from Bandon, thus : — 

* There is a stir in Bandon ; but in Kerry, where we were lately, there are 
both convictions and conversions. Thank God, who did not suffer us to 
labour in vain, or spend our strength for nought. Oh, may we be grateful 
and humble. If Lorenzo is in Dublin, give him my love. I am glad to 
hear that he can labour there now. Remember me to the preachers. They 
are friends of mine. May they prosper abundantly.' 

The preachers were Lanktree, M 'Mullen, William Stewart, 
Kerr, and A. Hamilton. 

Of Lorenzo Dow, Mr. Lanktree remarks : — I knew he had 
been made a blessing to many, and that God was with him : 
but with his eccentricities or infirmities I have nothing to do. 
But I know that he sent twenty-seven persons to me in one 
body to join om society ; perhaps most of these were con- 
verted to God. Among them are Mrs. C and her amiable 

daughter H , now the well-known and esteemed wife of 

one of our most efficient preachers.' 

Mr. Lanktree, no doubt, here alludes to the late Mrs. Waugh, 
of Bandon, who was the fruit of Lorenzo's labours. Mr. Ouseley 
writes of him thus^ from Sligo, to Mr. Lanktree : — ' I do, indeed, 
enjoy the tidings of the appearance of a revival in Dublin, and 
that the Lord is so manifestly blessing Lorenzo's labours.' 

In another place Mr. Lanktree says : — ' Lorenzo was with us 
three days. How many were born of God I cannot tell. Not 
less than two hundred persons came fonvard to join our society 
within this fortnight We had a glorious Quarterly Meeting 



158 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

(Love Feast) in Carlow. Many hearts were rent, and some 
made happy.' Lorenzo Dow was an American preacher. 

'This year (1806) was one of great persecution,' says Mr. 
Hamilton, Mr. Ouseley's companion. * At Eyrecomt, County 
Galway, and near the Shannon, we preached in the street, and 
had a battle with both priest and people, who beat my horse 
greatly, and threw him down on the street, and I on his back. 
Ouseley was hurt, and lost his hat in the fray. I thought we 
should never leave the spot alive. The soldiers were called 
out with loaded guns and fixed bayonets. They formed a 
square, until we preached again to the market people, and then 
they conducted us out of town ; but some of the persecutors 
got before us, and shouted as if ScuUabogue barn was on fire. 
We were robbed of our books, and only escaped with our lives.' 
And then he apostrophizes thus — ^ Cruel mockings are nothing, 
and showers of stones are but child's play ; but bloodshed and 
battery are no joke.' 

But in the midst of all this they were cheered by remarkable 
instances of conversion among both rich and poor, even in 
that very neighbourhood, and in other places also. The con- 
version of the Rev. Mr. Caldwell, the Presbyterian minister of 
Sligo, and his joining the society, cheered them greatly. Mr. 
Caldwell did not leave his own body, but he attended the class 
meetings and Love Feasts of the Methodists ; and his ^ expe- 
rience' was of the richest type. 

At this time also, Mr. Ouseley had to contend with great 
difficulties, in consequence of what were called * The Thrashers.' 
They rose to a great head, and marauded the whole country at 
night. He sa.ys, ' The Thrashers have come upon my poor 
mare, but they have only taken oft" her fore shoes, and the 
hair off her tail. Thanks be to God for His care of us in this 
troubled county, Sligo. ' In another place he says, ^ The people 
were afraid to receive me. My grieved soul complained to the 
Lord against Satan, and next day a respectable Romanist cried 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



IS9 



aloud, and prayed most vehemently ; and when I was arranging 
for some stopping-places, he spoke out and said, Come, sir, to 
my house two days in the week, and welcome, indeed. I don't 
care a straw for the priest; not I, indeed." I preached in a 
day or two after, in a fair in the mountains, among the 
Thrashers, and now they gave me thousands of blessings, and 
warned the priest to let Ouseley alone any more.' 

The Conference record, in its Address to the British Con- 
ference at the close of this year (1806), in reference to the 
results of this general mission work, is as follows : — 

* The joy you feel at the success of our missionaries, greatly encourages us 
to persevere in this very arduous undertaking ; and we have the pleasure of 
informing you, that three additional missionaries have been engaged in the 
blessed wcfrk this year. To your kind exertions, and the generosity of the 
good people of England (under God), thousands of souls in this country 
are indebted for the light of the Gospel. May God reward you all a thousand- 
fold. The Lord greatly owns the missionaries. May Almighty God still 
uphold them, and prosper their way more and more.* 

In the answer of the British Conference, we have the follow- 
ing. — <in the success of the missionaries, we greatly rejoice, 
and congratulate you on the pleasing prospect which opens 
before you. Our prayers shall not be wanting in your behalf, 
that your labours in this blessed undertaking may abundantly 
prosper. Even so. Lord Jesus. Amen.' 

We must here refer to one or two circumstances of an 
interesting character, which took place in connexion with 
Mr. Ouseley about this time. They are recorded in his 
Memorial^ by Mr. Reilly. It appears that a Methodist class- 
meeting was established by Mr. Ouseley in a dark part of the 
County Clare, and that a leader was appointed to meet it who 
had to come from a distance. Some of the Romanists hearing 
that 'a new religion' was to be thus imported to the countr}-, 
resolved to destroy the house where the class was met Ac- 
cordingly, having watched the leader's movements, this party 



i6o THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 

followed him on a Sabbath morning, resolving to make short 
work of this * new sect' They besieged the house, and sent 
in the ringleader to watch the movements, and to give the 
signal for their entrance at the proper time ; but, to the great 
surprise of the gang outside, Pat did not reappear as soon as 
they expected. They were utterly confused and disappointed. 
*The hymn was first given out and sung.' ' This is y try purty^ 
' — pretty — said Pat; 'I'll not disturb them yet' Prayer was 
offered up. ' I '11 let them alone until they have done with 
their prayers,' said he to himself The class began, and he 
said to himself, ' I '11 hear what they have to say.' The leader 
at length accosted the rude stranger thus : — ^ My good man, 
did you ever know yourself a sinner before God, and that you 
deserved to be for ever excluded from His presence?' Pat 
wept exceedingly, and cried out, ' Lord have mercy upon me ! 
what shall I do? I'm a wicked sinner.' The v/nole meeting 
joined in earnest prayer for him, and very soon Pat was 
^sitting at the feet of Jesus, quiet, and in his right mind 
What wonders grace can do ! 

'I knew him afterwards,' says Mr. Reilly, 'as noble an 
advocate for truth as he had been before a daring opposer.* 

The banditti decamped with all speed, when they heard 
Pat's cries, all of them exclaiming, ' The devil is among the 
Methodists,' It was surely 'the Lord's doing, and mar- 
vellous in our eyes.' This was quite in character mth the 
account of the man in the County Wexford (of whom Dr. 
Stephens wTites), who concealed himself in a sack at a Methodist 
meeting, that he might give a signal at a certain time to some 
outside to enter, and scatter, if not injure, the congregation. 
But the poor fellow in the sack found the preaching too 
powerful to lie quiet any longer, and at length he cried aloud 
for mercy. Some thought the devil was in the sack, and were 
afraid to go near it ; but at length he was extricated, and came 
ibrth^ to the astonishment of ail, a partaker of Gospel freedom. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY, 



The house was pointed out to the ^mter last June, where this 
occurred. How wonderful are the ways of the Lord, in thus 
' making the wrath of man to praise Him V 

The other circumstance in reference to Mr. Ouseley, about 
this time, occurred in Granard. It appears that Mr. Ouseley 
preached in the street, and that a person of the name of 
Caulfield threw missiles at him — an exploit not forgotten there 
yet — for which some persons gave Caulfield a severe chastise- 
ment at the time. He summoned those parties, and Mr. Ouseley 
summoned him. The cases were sent for trial. His bill was 
thrown out, but Mr. Ouseley's was found. Caulfield was 
found guilty, and sent to jail, while ISIr. Ouseley came off 
victorious, and was found preaching at five o'clock in the 
morning, in the street, to a considerable number of labourers, 
waiting to be employed, and then went into the chapel to 
preach at six. 

Mr. Lanktree remarks, ' Often has my soul been roused by 
the unquenchable zeal and abundant labours of these men of 
God, the missionaries.' 

Mr. Ouseley writes again to Mr. Lanktree from the County 
Sligo, We give an extract : — 

* I know it will be gratifying to you and my friends to mention the most 
striking occurrences. First, we are getting ail the single people we can, 
with the children, to commit the holy Scriptures. Secondly, the Lord 
favours me in witnessing many conversions and lively meetings everywhere ; 
many weeping, and m^any shouting the praises of God, and this in the midst 
of troublesome times. Hallelujah. In one place ten or twelve Romanists 
joined the society, in spite of the curses of the priest, which he (the priest) 
said, * ' will make the hair of your head to fall off, and no ointment when 
dying. " ^yhile I v/as preaching on false prophets, the Lord greatly blessed 
it to two souls who found peace. One exclaimed, " O, the priest, the 
priest ! why is he hindering us from all this comfort and sweetness ?" Next 
day a large barn was filled, and it was ''heaven on earth," ' 



L 



XIV, 



* For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God 
to the pulhng down of strong holds.' — 2 CoR. x. 4. 

* Blessed be the Lord God of our Israel, praised be the Lord of our Zion ; 
Jehovah hath gone forth with an host, and hath given us victoiy in the 
battle. 

He is our helper and defender, the Rock of our strength and our fortress. 
He hath delivered us in trouble, and saved us from the Avrath of our 
enemies. 

By Him have we overcome the proud, by Him have we escaped the 
terrible ! 

He gave us the shield of His salvation, and armed us with the spear of 
victory. 

He girded us with valour for the fight, and subdued the mighty under us. 
We will thank Him among the nations ; His name will be exalted among 
the heathen. 

Blessed be the God of our Israel, praised be the Lord of our Zion I ' 

Martin Tupper. 

• The word tribulation" is derived from the Latin word triuiditm ;'' 
that word signifying ''the thrashing instrument," or roller, by which the 
Romans separated the com from the husks. But some Lathi writer of the 
Christian Church appropriated the vrord and image for the setting forth of a 
higher truth, calling sorrows and griefs \xS}q^2X\oti%'' threshings, that is, 
of the inner, spiritual man, without which there could be no fitting him for 
the heavenly garner. ' 

Dean Trench. 

* Let that sweet word our spirits cheer 
Which quell'd the toss'd disciples' fear — 

'' Be not afraid." 
He who could bid the tempest cease. 
Can keep our souls in perfect peace. 

If on Him stay'd.' 



I 



CHAPTER XIV. 



MR. GRAHAM RETURNS TO CIRCUIT WORK. 
1807 TO 1812. 

Mr. Graham returns to circuit work. — Labours on the Athlone 
ROUND. — Puts his papers into the hands of Mr. Roger Lamb. 
— Appointed to Mallow in 1808. — Letter of Mr. Ouseley to 
Mr. Lanktree. — Appointed second year to Mallow. — Second 
letter of Mr. Ouseley. — Awful superstition. — Appointed 
TO Longford in 18 10. — Conversion and happy death of the 
Rev. Mr. Harrison, of Naas. — Hymn. — Four letters of Mr. 
Graham to his son. — Appointed to Cavan in 1811. — To 

AIOUNTRATH FOR 1812-1813.— DeATH OF HIS BROTHER. — LORD 

Sidmouth's Bill. 




T the Conference of this year Mr. Graham was ap- 
pointed to the Athlone circuit, having now finished 
seventeen years of hard labour ; and eight of these 



on the general mission, which he loved so much. In all, 
including from the time he became a local preacher, thirty- 
six years. The Athlone circuit, or, as it was formerly called, 
' the Athlone round,' contained a tract of country now divided 
into several circuits and missions. There is no record left of his 
labours during this year. It is said he was requested by Con- 
ference to place his papers in the hands of a Mr. Roger 
Lamb, of Dublin, for revision, and that many of them were 
thereby mislaid. The writer knew Mr. Lamb. He Avrote a 
history of the American war, having passed through it himself 
He was very talented and truly pious, somewhat hke the late 



164 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



James Field, of Cork. The "vmter heard Mr. Lamb say to a 
brother who had dedined in religion, 'Come again, brother, "A 
cracked bell can never be mended; it must be run over again.'" 
Mr. Graham's next appointment was Mallow (1808), with 
Mr. John Wilson, who died in 181 3. The record of his 
death (in part) is, ' a man of piety and genuine simplicity.' 
This was the very circuit (Mallow) which was first formed by 
Graham himself, in the year 1791, seventeen years before. 
There can be no doubt but he must have had many pleasing 
recollections of his first labours in that countr)^ The circuit 
had novv^ 246 members in it. During the previous year the in- 
crease in Ireland was nearly one thousand members. While -Mr. 
Graham was thus labouring in the South, Mr. Ouseley was work- 
ing hard in the West. He writes to Mr. Lanktree thus : — 

' You infonii me of tliree thousand souls being brought to God in one 
American meeting. * Hallelujah! If my brethren would send me to the 
East — where I hear there have been thousands of professing Christians dis- 
covered, and micormpted by Popery — I would be willing to go and die 
there. I saw a letter last week from brother Peacock, of the Millto^\'n 
circuit, saying that the Quarterly ^Meeting (Love Feast) m that tO"wn lasted 
from Friday until the Tuesday following. The Lord's power was great. 
Brother Tobias is all on fire in Coleraine. Good news from the mxission- 
aries. J. Flamilton and Bell are in those quarters. The North is giving up, 
and the South is not keeping back. About one hundred have been added 
in the Gia-nt's Causeway.' 

The increase this year was 1,300. The record of Conference 
is ^our missionaries are still much owned of the Lord.' 

1809. 

Mr. Graham remains in IMallow this year also. Of his 
labours I have no record. But during the year the mission- 
aries seem to have been greatly acknowledged of 'God, although 
labouring in some of the most destitute parts of the kingdom. 
Mr. Ouseley writes, after a very severe illness, to jNIr. Lanktree, 
then stationed in Amiagh : — 



* See Appendix C. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



165 



*I miist contrast my circuit with yours. Yours is to range through 
meadows fair, and fields productive of crops, to make the tiller's heart to 
dance, while meandering crystal streams and sweet fruits cluster all aroimd 
— such is yours ! But to have the huge rocks, hard as adamant, v.^ild deserts, 
where savage beasts seek their prey, and scarcely a green herb, or sprig, 
or fruit is found — ^liow dreaiy is the sight, when the poor traveller does 
not know where to rest his weary head! How dism^al the contrast; and 
such is ours. And yet, glory to God, the solitary places are become glad, 
and the desert is beginning to sing and blossom as the rose — friendship and 
good will are beginning to appear. ^Ye have now twenty-four stopping- 
places and about sixty members. Still I was greatly humbled lately, in 
beholding a sight such as I had never vritnessed, near Gort, in the County 
Galway, and that under the name of religion — m^en and women pro- 
miscuously, in the most indecent and unbecoming manner, walking on 
their bare knees over rough gravel and stones, and their hands clasped over 
their heads, lest they should in their progi-ess derive any assistance from them. 
You could have traced their track by the blood that streamed, yea, that 
flowed from their mangled knees. In another stage of the penance, some 
were running round the extensive ruins (old buildings). Others descending 
into a narrow cell called purgatory, not unlike that described in Lough 
Derg. At a distance on the plain stood the stump of a large tree, vrhich I 
had been told, for the most part, was cut away piecemeal, as affording a 
charm against every eviL' 

Such are the frightful superstitions by which thousands in 
our unhappy country are deluded. Vv^hen Mn Ouseley asked 
the guide of the whole scene why was the tree so much cut 
away, he said that the saint of the place, Macduagh, travelled 
round the world on his knees until he came to that spot, where 
there was a tree, and that there his girdle fell off — that the 
tree received such virtue that a bit of it would preserve him 
from sickness, from fire, and all accidents. ' Do, Sir,' said he 
to Mr. Ouseley, ' take a bit of it yourself ; it \n\\ keep you 
from harm of every kind.' 

' Thank you,' said Mr. Ouseley, ' I shall not mind it now j 
but where is the original tree .^' 

' It is all cut away. Sir, but the one that is there now is as 
good. Do, Sir, take a piece.' But when Mr. Ouseley appeared 
unyielding, he added, ^ Ah, Sir, you are not Irish, but English.' 



i66 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



Mr. Ouseley said }je never was in England. 

' If not/ said the man, ' you surely belong to them, so you do.' 

Mr. Ouseley departed with deep regret and indignation at 
such a soul-destroying system, and with his sympathies of com- 
passion more roused than ever. Let no one ever blame him 
for having his hatred to it intensified to the extent it was when 
he called it * the di7x apostacy.'' 

At the Conference of this year, 1810, the missionaries were 
increased to twelve, thus showing that the mission was 
becoming more and more popular every year. Mr. Graham 
who was the first who, in a special sense, assumed the 
position of general missionary in the county of Kerry twenty 
years before, is still content to fill the narrower sphere of a 
circuit preacher. We find him now in Lo?igford again, with the 
Rev. George Stevenson as his colleague — a man of deep piety, 
as gentle as a child, and a sound divine. Mr. Graham travelled 
here in 1798. 

The Rev. Mr. Hanison, a clergyman of the Church of England, 
at Naas, in the County Kildare, died this year, 1810. His con- 
version was the fruit of the general mission in the year 1806, 
through the instrumentality of the Rev. Messrs. Alcorn and Bell. 
It is well recorded in the Irish Wesleyan Magazine for that year, 
and still more minutely by the Rev. W. Reilly, in his brief but 
admirable Memorial of Mr. Ouseley, thus — ^In the autumn 
of 1806, Messrs. Alcorn and Bell, as at other times, preached 
in the streets of Naas. The Rev. Isaac. Harrison was among 
the hearers. Mr. Harrison was a gentleman of accomplished 
mind, and ranked among the most celebrated advocates of the 
charitable institutions of the day. Mr. Alcorn preached from 
Matthew ix. 37, 38, "The harvest truly is plenteous," &c. The 
Word was accompanied by Divine power to the heart of Mr. 
Harrison, and after the sermon he came fonvard and addressed 
the preacher thus : — ''I am a clergyman of the Church of England, 
but, alas ! although a minister for twenty years, I have been one 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



167 



of those idlers you have described in your sermon." Mr. Bell 
then preached also, after which Mr. Harrison invited both of 
them to his house, where they found a large party of ladies and 
gentlemen engaged at the card-table. The missionaries were 
introduced. The cards were soon removed, and the Bible was 
laid on the table. Mr. Harrison requested Mr. Alcorn to sing 
the hymn by which he had been so much affected on the street. 
While doing so, every heart heaved with emotion; every cheek 
was suffused with tears. He was requested to sing it again. He 
did so with equal, if not, with greater effect. Mr. Alcorn then 
engaged in prayer, and on that occasion Mr. Harrison received 
the indubitable witness of his acceptance with God — which he 
never aftervvards lost. The whole family became "heirs with 
him of the grace of eternal life." The scene can be better 
imagined than described. From that day his house became 
"the house of prayer," and his motto was that of Joshua — "But 
as for me and my house, we will serve tlte Lord." — Joshua xxiv. 
1 5. His whole parish soon felt the benefit of this delightful 
change, but his career was short. He caught fever in visiting 
one of his parishioners, and died in the full triumph of faith.' 

Shortly after his conversion he wrote to Mr. Alcorn. The 
following is an extract from this letter :— 

' T reckon that a blessed day in which I met with you. It is a day that 
always returns with additional pleasure and internal comfort to my soul. 
Eternal thanks to God. O may I be the humble means of saving if but one 
soul, from the pains of eternal death. We should unremittingly pray the 
Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.'" 

A few days after his death his son and successor, the Rev. John 
Ha/rison wrote to Mr. Alcorn, in which communication he says : — 

'The public papers must have announced to you the decease of one who 
was your son in the Gospel, my dear father. He was brought from death 
to spiritual life, so that God was his Father by the Spirit, and Jesus his full 
Saviour. The love of Christ which was shed abroad in his heart made him 
happy in death, and it did cast out fear. The Sabbath meetings shall not 
be forgotten. ' 



i68 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



He here refers to those meetings estabHshed by his father from 
the time of his conversioRj and conducted in a room belonging 
to the diocesan school, to the great edification and delight of 
many. The present vmter may here remark that he called on 
the Rev. Mr. Harrison, jun., in Naas, about thirty years after 
the death of his father, and found him a well-disposed, and 
much-respected clerg}'nian. He conversed freely about his vene- 
rated parent, and inquired for many of the missionaries whom 
he knew in early life. He also died soon after. The writer 
may state that a,t that time (1838) he took the street in Naas, 
and preached, and the Lord soon raised up a considerable 
cause, which flourished for a season, until the famine came, and 
drove our principal friends to America and elsewhere. I trust it 
will soon revive again. The following is the hymn which was 
sung by Mr. Alcorn, and which first attracted Mr. Harrison, when 
walking carelessly along the street with some other gentleman — 

' From Salem's gate, advancing slow, 

What object meets my eyes? 
What means this majesty of woe? 
What mean those mingled cries? 

Who can it be? Who groans beneath 

That ponderous cross of \YOod? 
Whose soul's o'erwhelm'd in fears of death; 

"Whose body's bathed in blood. 

Is this the Man? Can this be He 

The prophets have foretold? — 
Should with transgressors nunibered be, 

And for my crimes be sold? 

lovely sight! O heavenly form, 
For sinfal souls to see ! 

1 '11 creep beside Him as a worm, 

And see Him die for me. 

I'll view His wounds and hear His groans, 

Until, with happy John, 
I on His breast a place may find 

To lean my head upon. ' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



169 



We find Mr. Graham stationed in the year 181 1 on the 
Cavan circuit, with Mr. Gustavus Armstrong, of whom, honour- 
able mention is made by the Conference thus : — ^ A man of 
great integrity and truth; a sincere and unalterable friend; and 
it was rarely known that, in the long space of more than forty 
years as an itinerant preacher, he ever quitted a circuit vvdthout 
leaving it better than he found it. When asked, Are you 
afraid to die?" he ansv/ered, " No, blessed be God, I am not.'" 
During this year w^e have three or four letters from Mr. Graham 
to his son, extracts from which will show that the fire of hea- 
venly love and zeal still continued to burn in his breast with 
unabated ardour. The first is dated — 

* Belturbet, July 2%^ 181 1 {Cavan Circuit). 

* My dear Charles, — I trust I shall spend my time to some profit 
among this people. INIany rejoice to see me again, as I laboured a good 
deal among them when a missionar}^, and the fruits of our labours still 
remain. I had a blessed Sabbath morning in this town yesterday. Here 
we have a very respectable society. The judgments of the Lord are a great 
deep. [He refers to family affliction.] We may strive to fathom them, but 
strive in vain. It is only eternity which w^ill fully reveal them to His 
children; but at the worst of times they are mingled with mercy; and who 
more favoured than I have been through all the changing scenes of life ! I 
have clearly seen His hand conducting and preserving me. — Your ever 
affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham.' 

The next letter of those to which v/e referred is dated — 

*Brookboro', October^, 181 1. 

* My dear Charles, — I am on the Brookborough circuit begging money 
for a preaching-house in Belturbet,^ and I have to travel through the Clones 
and Monaghan circuits ; and you will think that by this time my face will 
be pretty well hardened at the work. Oh, that God may help me to do 
every work to His own glory. — I am, as ever, your affectionate father, 

' Charles Graham.' 



* The Conference note is — * Brothers G. Armstrong and Graham are to 
raise subscriptions on the Clones, Tvlonaghan, Brookboro', and Cavan circuits, 
for the Belturbet preaching-house.' — (^Minutes, vol. L, i8n, page 264.) 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



Another letter reads thus : — - 

* Thank God, we have nothing to complain of with respect to health and 
peace ; and as to the other blessings of this Hfe, we know no want. The 
Lord has hitherto helped us, and He will help; '*for He is good, and His 
mercy endureth for ever." I hope you feel it your duty and interest to give 
yourself unreservedly to Him. Till then there can be no real peace or 
happiness in this world. I pray the Lord of His great mercy not to leave 
one belonging to me behind. Blessed be the Most High, this circuit 
promises well this year. I trust we shall have some fruit of our labour. 
Oh, that He may bless us, and all that labour in the Word. Although I 
write but seldom, I pray often for you. 

* I am your affectionate father, 

'Charles Graham.' 

The next communication is more important, from the same 
circuit : — 

* The Lord has blessed our labours in some degree since we came to this 
circuit ; not a few convinced and converted. Blessed be the Lord, this will 
more than recompense for all our toil. It is a pleasure to labour among a 
people who receive the Word, and bring forth the fruits of it. 

'Tis worth living for this, 
To administer bliss 
And salvation in Jesus' s name." 

May He grant unto me that my life and latest breath may be spent in His 
service. I see more and more the necessity of being a Christian, ' ' not in 
word only, but in deed and in truth;" and if I had my life to live over 
again, I think I should live more to purpose than I have done. But I can 
only now lament my failings and shortcomings before the Lord, and be 
deeply humbled as in the dust before Him. I daily see what need a Chris- 
tian has of watchfulness and prayer, who acts under the inspection of that 
God who knoweth all the thoughts and weigheth the intentions ; but I can 
only say, * ' God be merciful to me, a sinner, " and grant that as I am 
drawing nearer to my final end, I may have clearer views of the ** inhe- 
ritance of the saints in light." 

* I am, as ever, your affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham.' 

What little boasting is here ! What humbling views had 
this great, and holy, and useful man of himself, even to the 
end ! A short time previous to the above he wrote : — * The 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



Lord gave me a long time of trial. May He grant that my last 
days may be my best, and keep me from sin, and all will end 
well.' 

At the Conference of the year 181 2, Mr. Graham was 
appointed the superintendent of the Mountrath circuit, with 
Messrs. Averell and Lougheed as his colleagues. Mr. Averell 
was generally supposed to have liberty to visit various parts of 
the kingdom, and his appointment to Mountrath was, no doubt, 
likewise in consideration of his having property close by, and 
its being his native place. During this year Mr. Graham's 
eldest brother, who lived near Sligo, died very suddenly ; to 
which event he very appropriately refers in the following letter 
to his son in Dublin : — 

* My dear Charles, — I had a letter from my nephew, James Graham, 
letting me know that his father departed this life on the i6th of February. 
He came home quite well from the market of Sligo, and in a moment after 
he dined, he got a stroke, which left him half dead. He lingered a few days, 
and then finished his course, but left a testimony behind him of his accept- 
ance with God. Glory to God, it is no vain thing to serve Him. My dear, 
honest brother strove to serve the Lord for forty years. He supported His 
cause and His messengers ; and now his work is with the Lord, and his 
reward with his God. 

* * ' Oh, what are all my sufferings here, 

If, Lord, Thou count me meet 
With that enraptur'd host t' appear. 

And worship at Thy feet? 
Give life or death, give ease or pain. 

Take life or friends away, 
I come to find them all again, 

In that eternal day." 

* Who next shall be summoned away? My merciful God, is it I ?" 

* This is truly a loud call to me to be ready. O God, make me faithful 
unto death, that I may attain the crown of life. 

'C. Graham.' 

Mr. Lanktree states that this was a most important year to 
the Methodist Connexion, as in it Lord Sidmouth's bill was 



172 



TKE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



overthrovm. It appears it would have operated most inju- 
riously in relation to the whole economy of ^Methodism, 
especially towards its itineracy. ]Mr. Buttenvorth, a member 
of our society in London, and a member of Parliament thai: 
year, laboured most indefatigably to upset it. The united 
prayers of the ^lethodists of the United Kingdom went up 
to heaven, and the victory was gloriously triumphant Mr. 
Butterworth accompanied Dr. Clarke to the Irish Conference, 
and greatly cheered our brethren, who were suffering from an 
accumulating debt on the Connexion, and frequently had to tax 
themselves. In reference to the above bill, ^Ir. Lanktree 
obseiwes further : — ' How little God's people are aware how 
many enemies may be privately contriving their ruin, and as 
little as to the instruments He employs to effect their deliver- 
ance. But while we abide in Jehovah's counsel, and rely on 
His promise, ''no weapon formed against them shall prosper, 
and every tongue that rises against them in judgment shall be 
condemned.'" These obser^*ations are very suitable to the 
present times in 1868. 

At the close of this year it appears ^Ir. Lanktree exchanged 
with 'My. Finley, in order to ^isit Innishowen, and on his 
return remarks — ' This is one of the farthest places in Ireland 
from real religion. First, it abounds with Popery : second, the 
Church (Episcopahans) and ^Meeting people (Presbyreriaiis) 
are also ignorant and bigoted ; third, the people are generally 
drunken and slothful; fourth, they have short leases and 
rack-rents, to be paid by illicit distillation; and lastly, they 
have no regard for preachers, less desire for heaven, unless it 
could be procured by smuggling. And yet even here there are 
witnesses for Jesus. One young woman's deep experience 
surprised me. She spoke with a glow of sacred eloquence 
which could not easily be equalled.' 



XV, 



*MANY ARE THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS.' 

* Home in prospect still can cheer me, 

YeSj and give me sweet repose, 
While I feel His presence near me ; 
For "my Father knows." 

Yes, He comes and knows me daily, 

Watches over me in love ; 
Sends me help when foes assail me ; 

Bids me look above. 

Soon my journey will be ended, 

Life is drawing to a close ; 
I shall then be vrell attended : 

This my Father knows." 

I shall then with joy behold Him, 

Face to face my Father see ; 
Fall \^dth rapture, and adore Him, 

For His love to me. 

Nothing miore shall then distress me 

In the land of sweet repose ; 
Jesus stands engaged to bless me : 

This "my Father knows. " ' 



CHAPTER XV. 



DIVISION ANTICIPATED. 



Dr. Coke's last visit to Ireland.— obtains two missionaries for 
Ceylon. — Cox, the American missionary. — Elliott. — Lines on 
Dr. Coke's death. — Mr. Graham's letter to his son. — Mr. 
Ouseley's sermon in Limerick. — ]Mr. Graham's appointment 
TO Newtownbarry. — The Rev. John Hadden. — Letter. — In- 
crease OF missionaries. — ]Mr. Ouseley's appeal to go to 
India. — Refusal. — ]\Ir. Noble's conversion. — Visit to Wick- 
low. — Mr. Reilly's letter. — Marvellous conversions. — Mr. 
Graham's second year's appointment. — Letter of a Roman 
Catholic convert. — The Rev. Mr. Blanshard's letter to 
Mr. Graham. — Asked to go to India. — Refuses. — The Rev. 
John ]\PKenny's appointment. — Discussion on the sacra- 
ments. 



evidences of the presence and blessing of our living Head. 
Doctor Coke was our President. This was his twenty-fifth visit 
to Ireland ! He has been long our attached^ faithful^ and inde- 
fatigable friend and servant for Christ's sake. His heart was 
set on a mission to the East, and to begin in Ceylon. He 
asked in the Conference, 'Svhich of the brethren would come 
forward and engage in the mighty enterprise?" Two of our 
excellent and beloved brethren, Messrs. Lynch and Erskine, 
offered themselves at once to accompany the doctor. The 




UR annual Conferences,' says Mr. Lanktree, 'have 
been advancing in interest for many years past j but 
that of 1 8 13 was distinguished by extraordinary 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY, 



doctor wrote to a friend thus : — " I am now dead to Europe, 
and alive for India. God has said to me, ^Go to Ceylon/ 
and so fully convinced am I it is the \vill of God, that methinks 
I would rather be set naked on the island of Ceylon, without 
clothes and without a friend, than not go there." The last 
words he said to me were, Brother Lanktree, farewell. Re- 
member the missions. Form missionary societies.'" 

The self-sacrificing spirit of this great-souled man of God 
reminds one of what Air. Cox, an American missionary, who 
was appointed to Africa, said to a fellow-student — ' If I die in 
Africa, you must come after me and write my epitaph. ' ' I 
mil,' said the student; 'but what shall I write.' 'Let a 
thousand missionaries die before Africa is given up,' was the 
reply ; and in this spirit he died. ElHott, ' the apostle of the 
Indians,' said, ' prayers and pains through faith in Christ Jesus 
will do anything;' and on the day of his death, and in his 
eightieth year, he was found teaching the alphabet to an Indian 
child at his bed-side, and said to a friend, ' As I can no longer 
preach, the Lord gives me strength enough to teach this poor 
child his alphabet' 

The following lines, written on Dr. Coke's death, may be 
very appropriately introduced here : — 

* Immortal Coke has reached the highest heaven ; 
The radiant robe, the starry crown is given 
By his approving Lord, while heaven resomids 
With silver lyres and sweet seraphic sounds. 
Those toils, those trials, which he patient bore, 
By angel voice are now recounted o'er, 
While souls, which crown'd his labours, quick advance, 
And cast on Coke the fond, endearing glance. ' 

He died on his way to India, and like another Moses, called 
to ascend, not an earthly Pisgah, but the mount of vision and 
of faith, to view the Indian landscape o'er, and then, like him, 
his happy spirit was kissed away beyond the swelling flood. An 



176 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



ocean grave well became him — a fit emblem of his world-wide 
purposes that every shore might be visited by the blessings of 
his high commission, and that ever}- wave should be regarded 
as sounding his requiem until ^ the sea shall deliver up its 
dead.' 

Of the results of the Irish missionar\- operations this year, 
the Conference remarks — ^ Viewing the Irish missions as bear- 
ing on the navy and the viilitary, we consider them as objects 
of primary importance, and vv e are confident that if they be not 
supported by the usual means, a most serious e\'il must befal 
this country.' The reply of the British Conference is of equarl 
importance. ^The Irish missions, since their first commence- 
ment, have lain very near to our hearts. The introduction and 
spread of \-ital religion among the Catholics of Ireland is of the 
first importance to the British Empire, and we shall be happy 
at all times to promote it as far as our fimances will admit.' 

There were eleven men appointed last year, but this year 
only nine. The increase in the ^lethodist Society in Ireland 
W3.S about I, coo. ^'xlr. Graham was appointed for the second 
year — 1S13 — to the Zvlountrath circuit, and had ]Mr. Gustavus 
Armstrong, with vv*hom he travelled the Cavan circuit a few 
years before, as his colleagTie. An extract of a letter from -\Ir. 
Graham to his son ^^-ill show how the good work of God still 
prospered in his hand. It is dated from Mountmellick, being 
part of this circuit. 

^ Mountmellick, May 24. 1S13. 
* I-.Iy Dear Charles, — Tliis has been a good year on this circv.i: : the 
Lord has blessed the work abmidantly. There are many brought in and 
convinced, and convened to God. He works, and none can hinder ; and 
He is a friend that sticketh closer tlian a brother. — Your affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham. ' 

About this time Mr. Ouseley preached a most solemn and 
instmctive sennon in Limerick baiTacks, and had a large por- 
tion of the Sligo militia to hear him, then stationed there. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY, 



177 



The Rev. Wm. Ferguson, who was present, gave the following 
outline of it to Mr. Reilly, who records it : — ' The text was 
Prov. xxii. 3, prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth 
himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished." The 
place and circumstances were peculiarly striking to the subject 
The Shannon flowed under the window of the room in which 
he was preaching. He first described the prudent man ; 
secondly, where he hideth himself; thirdly, the character of 
the simple^ and their punishment The latter (the simple) he 
described as a man without the knowledge of God, and a 
stranger to the wisdom from above. He may (said he) be 
very acute in transacting the business of life, an able statesman, 
a profound philosopher, an eminent artist, or a distinguished 
scholar; but he lives according to the course of this world, 
and dies unconverted. Then his pmiishment — the place, the 
company, the duration. In reference to the last particular — 
the duration — he obser\^ed, taking advantage of the Shannon 
flowing underneath — If you were to count a thousand years 
for every drop of water that ever flowed in that Shannon, from 
Drumshambo (a small town in the County Leitrim, near the 
mouth of that river, more than one hundred miles off), to the 
sea, it would be but a -point, when compared with that eternity 
through which the simple will have to endure the wrath of 
God."' Mr. Ferguson added, ^ It made an impression on my 
mind that can never be effaced — the mighty river flowing on 
in a continuous current, and had flowed on for near six thou- 
sand years, and flowing still! What an emblem of eternity!' 
exclaimed Mr. F. to himself 

Mr. Graham was appointed this year (18 14) to Newto^\TlbalTy 
as superintendent, and Mr. John Hadden for his colleague ; of 
whom the following record is found in the death roll for the 
year 1843: — 'As a Christian, his piety was uniform; as a 
friend, he was truly affectionate ; as a colleague and superin- 
tendent, his worth was only known to those with whom he 

M 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



travelled; and as a preacher he vras instructive and per- 
suasive.' 

Mr. Graham writes in the September of this year to his son. 
The following extract from it will instruct us as to the state of 
the circuit, and his prospects for the year : — 

' Newtownbarry, Sept, 26, 1814. 
' My dear Charles, — We are well, blessed be God for all His mercies. 
I have been twice round my circuit. I like it well. We are likely to have some 
good done this year. Our congregations are increased, and our meetings 
lively. I am after holding three Quarterly Meetings (Love Feasts), where 
we had much of the presence and power of God, and I trust much good was 
done. If the Lord spare me to finish this year, I shall be grateful. He* 
has done great things for me, for which I feel thankful. May the little 
time I have be unreservedly given up to Hun. It is short and uncertain. 
]May the Father of mercies bless and keep you. So prays your affectionate 
father, ' Charles Graham.' 

The Hibernian Methodist Missionary Society was formed 
this year, and an interesting report of the speeches delivered 
on that occasion was recently published under the direction of 
the Rev. Wm. Crook, D.D. It deserves general circulation. 
The Address of the Irish Methodist Conference to the British 
Conference of this year is one from ^vhich I cannot resist the 
desire to introduce the following extract : — 

' The unity of tlie members of Christ's Church is its gloiy and its strength 
— the fellowship of one common system of uncormpted doctrine, and of a 
discipline which is according to godliness. V^e do unfeignedly congratulate 
you on the success of the glorious Gospel of God our Saviour amongst you. 
We deplore with deep humility that our enlargement is not proportionate 
to yours. We appointed a committee to trace the causes and the directions 
suggested, respecting the necessary ministerial qualifications, the more 
faithful application of discipline, and above all, the habitual sense of the 
presence of an indwelling God, so necessaiy to render our preaching effec- 
tualj were accompanied with such overwhelming manifestations of Divine 
light, consolation, and powxr, as we never before experienced in our 
Conference. We contemplate with joy the future gloiy of the East, where 

the Sun of Righteousness first arose with healings in His wings" (alluding 
to the mission under Dr. Coke) ; and we rejoice to contribute to the means 
of its establishment. These are momentous and eventful times. ' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



179 



At this Conference — 18 14 — we find no less than thirteen 
missionaries told off for the Irish mission, — all men of note. 
Before Dr. Coke left the Conference last year, Mr. Ouseley 
offered himself for the East Indies, and entreated the Con- 
ference, with tears, to let him go with the doctor; but the 
Conference interposed, one brother stating, ' 'Mr. Ouseley 
cannot be spared; he has not yet fulfilled his mission in his 
native country.' The doctor pleaded hard, and assigned many 
reasons ; but the Conference was inflexible, and, as the future 
proved, it was wisely directed in its decision. His place on 
the Irish mission could not be supplied. He was appointed 
that year to the Counties of Antrim and T>erry, where he con- 
tinued for six years, and his labours there will only be fully 
known in 'the day of the Lord Jesus.' His memory is still as 
balm to many a grateful heart. Many young men were raised 
up, who became useful preachers of the Gospel, and several of 
them men of great power. Mr. Arthur Noble was among the 
fmits of the early labours of Graham and Ouseley. ]\Ir. Reilly 
remarks — ' ^^lessrs. Graham and Ouseley, with their Bibles in 
their hands, and with their black caps on, rode into the town 
of Fintona, and opened their great commission to surrounding 
multitudes. Mr. Ouseley's text was E.ev. vi. 17 — ''For the 
great day of His wrath is come ; and who shall be able to 
stand?" At the conclusion he vehemently cried out, '* O 
Fintona, Fintona ! remember that a man sitting on his horse 
in the street warned you to prepare to meet your God. You 
will recall this day to mind, in the great day, which I have been 
describing to you." Young Noble was convinced, and soon 
after savingly converted to God, and became the travelling 
companion of Mr. Ouseley on the Irish mission for some 
years.' 

Their united labours were crowmed with marvellous results. 
Mr. Reilly mentions, in a letter to Mr. Ouseley, written from 
Wicklow, after one of his visits, accompanied by Mr. Noble, 



l8o THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

just referred to, that — ' The most extraordinary conversions, 
which I have ever seen or heard of, have taken place. Some 
very respectable, some abandoned, one atheist, some most sin- 
gular persecutors, have all been converted to God ; and some 
of our own old members have been sanctified. Jehovah smiles 
on all the land, and the wilderness and solitary places are 
glad, and the deserts rejoice and blossom as the rose. One 
would almost imagine that the day of Ireland's moral and 
spiritual regeneration had arrived, and that the brightest antici- 
pations of prophecy were about to be fulfilled,' 
Oh ! the power of simply preaching Christ and Him crucified ! 

* Where'er I go, I'll tell the story 

Of the cross, of the cross ; 
In nothing else my soul shall glory. 

Save the cross, save the cross. 
Yes, this my constant theme shall be, 

Through time and through eternity, 
That Jesus tasted death for me 

On the cross, on the cross. ' 

Mr. Graham was appointed in 1815 to superintend the New- 
townbarry circuit again, with Mr. Hadden for his colleague. 
The following is an extract of a letter from a local preacher, 
who had been a member of the Church of Rome, when he first 
heard Mr. Graham : — 

*Dear Sir,— I hope you will bear me on your mind before a throne of 
grace. I am a weak vessel to be called, in any wise to proclaim the un- 
searchable riches of Christ. The little society feel much for your separa- 
tion from them. They still continue faithful. I have great hope that much 
good will be done this year, and that Satan's kingdom shall meet a mighty 
overthrow, and that the enemies of the Lord will be much scattered. 
Adieu, till the archangel's trump shall summon our sleeping dust to the 
solemn day of decision! — 

* "Oh, that each in the day of His coming may say, 
I have fought my way through ; 
I have finished the work Thou didst give me to do.'" 

So prays your affectionate son in the Gospel.' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. l8l 

The Rev. Thomas Blanshard, of London, wrote to Mr. Graham 
on the subject of superintending the great mission work just 
commenced in Ceylo7t, We give an extract : — 

' 14 City Road, London, Jtme 15, 18 15. 

' Dear Brother, — The Missionary Committee have directed me to state 
to you the following particulars, to which we earnestly beg your serious 
■attention. We want first, a brother of years and respectability in the work, 
to go to Ceylon as superintendent of that wide and important circuit. 
Secondly, we want four or five young men, who, if they have travelled a 
year or two, will be the more acceptable as helpers in the great work. We 
beg that you will take this into your serious consideration, and if you feel 
inclined to offer your service for that work yourself, please let us know as 
soon as you can. May the merciful God have mercy upon all pagans and 
idolators, and that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Metho- 
dists, and be made one fold under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. — 
Yours, &c., 

'Thomas Blanshard.' 

Mr. Graham decHned the offer, for, besides a consciousness of 
unfitness for the position, he was then in the sixty-fifth year 
of his age. The Rev. John M 'Kenny, from Ireland, was 
shortly afterwards appointed to Ceylon, as a young man. He 
returned to Ireland after many years, and was received into 
' full connexion,' as our ordination was then called, with the 
writer at the Belfast Conference, in the year 1835; he had 
previously no opportunity of being publicly set apart to our 
ministry. 

In the Address of the Irish to the English Conference this year, 
1815, reference to the Irish mission is thus made :— 'The Irish 
mission still continues to bless our land. Several Roman Catho- 
lics have, during the year, turned to the Lord, and of the careless 
Protestants not a few.' The answer supplies us with the fol- 
lowing : — ' Heaven has cast a smile on all our missionary 
labour.' 

Many petitions were presented at this year's Conference in 
favour of the administration of the ordinances in our own 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



chapels. The subject was discussed at large, and the votes 
taken. These were in favour of the measure. It afterwards 
was considered best to postpone their administration for another 
year, which was adopted. The Rev. Adam Averell, an ordained 
minister of the Established Church, labouring as a Methodist 
preacher, was, however, appointed to administer them, whenever 
invited to do so, during the year. 



XVI. 



^ Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as doves to their wmdows.' 

'JESUS ONLY.' 

* He comes to break oppression, 

To let the captive free, 
To take away transgression, 

And reign in equity ; 
To give them songs for sighing. 

Their darkness turn to light ; 
Whose souls, in miseiy dying, 

Were precious in His sight. 

Before Him, on the mountains. 

Shall peace, the herald, go ; 
And righteousness, in fountains, 

From hill to valley flow. 
For He shall have dominion 

O'er river, sea, and shore. 
Far as the eagle's pinion. 

Or dove's light wing can soar. 

The mountain dews shall nourish 

A seed in weakness sown, 
Whose fruit shall spread and flourish. 

And shake like Lebanon. 
The tide of time shall never 

His covenant remove ; 
His name shall stand for ever. 

His name — What is it ? Love ! ' 



CHAPTEPv XVL 

FAMILY AFFLICTION — CONVERSION OF HIS SON. 

Mr. Graham^s third appointment to Newtownbarry. — His 
brother's death. — Letter to his son on the subject. — 
Serious accident, narrow escape. — Letter describing it. — 
Great agitation on the subject of the sacraments. — 
Author's wish for its renewed settlement, and union of 

BOTH BODIES. — ThE ReV. W. HAMILTON'S HAPPY DEATH. — LETTER 

FROM Rey. S. Wood. — Mr. Graham's appointment to Carlow. 
Letter to his son. — Letter of the Rey. F. Tackaberry, his 
son in the Gospel. — Letter of Rey. C. Mayne. — Rey. James 
Rutledge. — His letter. — His trials and maryellous deliyer- 

ANCE IN THE ARMY. — LORD CORNWALLIS. — ^.Ir. RuTLEDGE'S 
DELIYERANCE. — ThE CONYERSION OF YOUNG Mr. GRAHAM IN 

Dublin. — His father's joy. 

R. GRx\HAM returned, in 1816, for the third year 
to superintend the Newtownbarry circuit. In the 
, spring of this year he received an account of the 
death of his other brother. He was greatly affected by this 
event also, as he was before by the sudden removal of his 
eldest brother four years previously. An extract from a letter 
to his son v/ill best describe this sanctified afPiiction : — 

* Go rey, A/ay 6, 18 16. 
*My dear Charles,— Your uncle James is dead. This, with the 
former news, has brought me low. I am left alone. O Lord, be my 
helper, and help me to be ready for the next call. I feel my spirits much 
depressed. My brothers loved me dearly. I shall see them no more until 
I arrive in that eternal world to which they are fled. I hope they made 




THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



185 



their escape from the evils of this world, and are gone to rest. Time is 
short ; we shall soon meet again. Oh! that it may be with yonder throng 
who have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the 
Lamb. What is life, and what is the world and all it contains, when com- 
pared to an assurance of that rest that remains for the people of God ? My 
dear Charles, lose no time in closing m with your iVlaker. You seem as if 
bowed down with a spirit of infirmity. Oh ! may the Lord loose you, and 
let you go, as you ought to go, and serve Him. — I am your affectionate 
father, 'Charles Graham.' 

At the end of this year he met with a very serious accident 
He fell off his horse, or rather his horse fell and rolled over 
him, cutting and bruising his leg most seriously. He was 
brought home with difficulty, and lay under it for ten days. 
He says, in describing the scene to his son : — 

* Blessed be the Lord, it happened near home. Xo bone was broken. 
Perhaps by this I escaped some greater evil. I am safely housed, and 
happy in my mind. Glor}^ to the Lord, I had not one unhappy moment 
since it happened to the present. I can say, "It is good to be /lere,^'' and 
to be in His hands. He has said, " All things shall work together for good 
to them that love God." I have long proved His faithfulness, and I trust I 
shall prove it more and more in my old age. Oh, what an awful thmg to 
live one moment without His favour, for ' ' in the midst of life we are in 
death." The Sa\dour's mandate is, "Be ye also ready." Lord, make me 
holy in heart and life, and in all manner of conversation. Here we have 
no abiding city ; this earth is not my place. ]May I cast my whole care, 
living and d}Hng, upon Him who caretli for me. — I am, as ever, your 
affectionate father, ' Charles Graham.' 

This was the great controversial year in the Methodist 
societies in Ireland, on the subject of sacramental administra- 
tion in our own chapels. Mr. Graham seems to have acted 
very moderately during the whole affair. Indeed, in the County 
Wexford they were nearly all in favour of the measure, but he 
humorously remarked, that 'the poor stewards and leaders 
found it difficult to release all the circulars and letters, as 
postage was very high at that time.' Surely, one might imagine 
that now, at the end of fifty-two years of Methodist history since 
then, the subject might be very gravely and prayerfully con- 



i86 



THE LIFE OF TFIE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



sidered again, and we would add, may it be speedily, and 
satisfactorily, and for ever settled. The signs of the times 
demand it Charles Wesley prayed thus for a similar object — 

' But ^^ilt Thou not at last appear? 

Into Thine hands this matter take ; 
We look for no protection here, 

But Thee alone our refuge make. 
To Thee, O righteous Judge, appeal, 
And ^vait thine acceptable will.' 

Dming this year the missionaries prosecuted their perilous 
duties with gi-eat ardour and success amidst great discourage- 
ments. One of the honoured band broke down under the 
vvcight of numerous but gloriously successful toils, namely, the 
Rev. William Hamilton, the companion of Ouseley for some 
years. He was compelled to retke, and died triumphantly on 
the 8th of October 1843. Some of his last expressions were, 
' If I could shout, so that the world might hear, I would tell of 
the goodness and love of God my Saviour. Xot a cloud I not 
a cloud ! victory over death ! The sting is taken away ! glor}', 
glory to God.' 

But while one and another of the standard-bearers thus fell 
now and again; there were always those around who rushed 
forward to lift the falling banner, and baptized unto the dead, 
cried again, 'Behold, behold the Lamb/ The Confeicrxic 
record is : — 

' While we rejoice in the success of missionan- exertions abroad, it is stiU 
further gi-oimd of gi-atitude that our own Irish missionaries have been ble-t 
in their labours at home. In the course of last year new ground has been 
broken up, the Word of God widely distributed, many sumers awak:ened, 
and some, who were the ripe fruit of the mission, have escaped away to the 
mansions of light. In one sense we are all missionaries ; and our prayer is, 
that we may possess more of the tme missionaiy spirit, and that the king- 
dom of Christ may spread till the whole earth is tilled hi? : -y. 

'Samuel Wj:z-. J.v;v:.:/-r." 



Mr. Graham was removed this year to superintend the Carlow 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



187 



circuit, with Mr. Archibald Campbell as his colleague. Shortly 
after the Conference he wrote to his son. The following 
is an extract from the letter: — 

' Carlo w, October ^th, 181 7. 
*My dear Charles, — I received your letter, which has given me great 
comfort to find that you have joined the people of God at last. Blessed be 
the Lord for all His mercies. There is a young lad"^ near Athy, who was a 
rigid Roman Catholic. He left the mass since I came to this circuit, and is 
now converted. He is from the County Sligo. I have some hope that he 
will become a preacher. He is a young man of fine abilities, can read, and 
write, and speak the Irish. I hope if the Lord call him out, he v/ill be 
useful to that class (Romanists). May the Lord raise up some who will 
show them the light, for they are in a deplorable state, and few care for 
their souls. I am often led to think I should agam take the streets ; but 
having a circuit to attend, I know I would not be adequate to standing 
out. The weary wheels will soon stand still : oh, that I may be prepared to 
give up my accounts. What is life ? 

'Your ever affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham.' 

Mr. Graham was also cheered this year by the receipt of an 
interesting letter from Mr. Fossey Tackaberry. I will intro- 
duce an extract from this also, which will, I am sure, be read 
with great pleasure. 

'TOMAGADDY, Dec. i^th, 18 1 7. 
*My dear and never-to-be-forgotten Father and Friend, — I 
received your welcome letter, which I have read many a time, and many a 
time I have longed to see you, even for one hour. How much I needed 
your conversation, I did not know until you wxre gone. Mr. Douglas is 
worthy the character you gave of him in your letter. He is an honest mian 
and useful especially in discipline. But I never could feel free to open my 
mind to any preacher since I saw you. When I thinlc of the way I used to 
speak to you, and how little afraid of you I was, I wonder; and, never 
did I need your advice more than since you left. But, thanks to my loving 
Lord I was never so happy as I have been for some time past — never such 
access to God — such close union and communion wilji Him ; nor yet felt I 
my own weakness and helplessness as now. Without Christ I can do 
nothing. Temptations have driven me closer to the Lord, and led me to 
cast my care upon Him who is able to save. Still I long to see you, I 



Afterwards the Rev. John Feely, of whom more again. 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



would willingly go every foot to Carlow to spend one night witli you. Our 
people here are doing well. • Many in our class are increasing in holiness, 
especially the young men. They are also increasing in zeal, activity, and 
usefulness. A few have been put out of the class at Ballycanew, but we 
have gotten five or six ornaments in their stead. The members of our class 
are really a wonder to us, they have made such progress in the Divine life. 
There is an increase and earnestness in a class^ which I asked you if I would 
give up. Ten young men of us meet once a week in band, to watch over 
each other in the Lord, and our souls have been wonderfully strengthened, 
comforted, and knit together ; and thanks to the Most High that while Zion 
is torn in other places, we are determined to follow after holiness. Re- 
member me to dear Mrs. Graham. I felt at home w^ith her on the day I 
spent in Newtownbarry. Remember me at the throne of grace. 

*Your unworthy son and servant in the Gospel, 

*FossEY Tackaberry.' 

The Rev. Charles Mayne was representive to the English 
Conference of last year (1816), and the circular which he 
sent to the brethren on his return now lies before me. The 
following extract may be interesting : — 

'I arrived in time in London to enjoy a very blessed Sabbath, previous 
to the sitting of the Conference. Dr. Clarke and Mr. Moore preached. In 
the Love Feast, at 3 o'clock, a spirit of prayer and earnestness prevailed, 
which was truly delightful. Mr. Reece was chosen President, a wise and 
steady man; and Mr. Bunting, Secretary. I can truly say, that the English 
brethren are a body of pious ministers, and their sermons are plain and 
evangelical. A young gentleman of great piety, and large property, who 
had just taken the degree of Master of Arts at Cambridge, offered himself 
to travel. He was received, and placed on the list of reserve. We had a 
very interesting visit from two Prussian clergymen, sons to the Bishop of 
Berlin, young men of piety. They came to England by the desire of their aged 
father, and by permission of the Prussian Court, to inquire into the state of 
religion, charities, and education of England. They were admitted. The 
President gave them an account of our origin, and Dr. Clarke of our 
doctrines, and Mr. Moore of our success. They retired deeply impressed 
with the importance o^f Methodism, which is a mighty work, and is spreading 
from shore to shore. I pray the Father of mercies, to pour out His Holy 
Spirit on us, as on the sister kingdom. Wishing you a very happy and 
prosperous year, 

' I remain your truly affectionate brother, 

*C. Mayne.' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



The above shows the spirit of piety, and the talent for 
observation which characterized this truly devoted man of 
God, himself, a well-educated Christian gentleman, and a 
member of a highly respectable family, and one who bore no 
small share of ' the burden and heat of the day,' even in the 
public streets, and in the depth of winter. It was some con- 
trast to find him one day in the street of Gorey, proclaiming 
Christ in the midst of a stone throwing mob, and, perhaps, in a 
short time after, sitting with his brother. Judge Mayne, on the 
Bench, in some county town. A preacher gives the following 
graphic account of such vicissitudes in Ireland : — ' At Mrs. 
Tighe's we conversed with senators, ministers, and ladies of 
rank and talent, we were attended by liveried servants, and 
cheered with the sound of the organ; perhaps in the next place 
our lodging was on straw, in some outhouse or newly prepared 
dwelling, of those who had recently suffered the loss of all 
things. In a word we might say, ' Our life was in our hand. ' 

The following is the epitaph of the Rev. Charles Mayne, on a 
marble tablet in the Wesleyan chapel at Kingsto^^-n, near 
Dublin:— 



Jtt ||l^m0rg of tilt 

Rev. Charles Mayne, who for upwards of 42 years, 
as a Wesleyan Minister, successfully preached the 
Gospel throughout most of the cities, towns, and rural 
districts of Ireland, and in this town, after a short 
illness, died in the faith of Christ, INIay 4th, 1838. 
Aged 66. 

This Tablet is erected by his bereaved Widow, as a 
small Memento of his worth and her sorrow. 



During the Methodistic year^ 181 7, the Rev. James Rutledge 
writes to Mr. Graham, from Sligo, the following brief but cheer- 
ing note : — 



190 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



' Thank God, we have a good work on this chcuit. We have 
very large congregations. Sinners are being converted, and 
our societies increasing.* 

Having been for a year with this devoted servant of the 
Most High, the writer feels much gratification in introducing 
the high estimation in which he was held by his brethren in the 
ministry. ' He entered the army in 1793, and in that situation 
was enabled so to honour God, that he was made the instrument 
of great good to many of his fellow-soldiers. He was a man 
of strong understanding, great prudence, and immovable 
fidelity. He entered the Methodist ministry in 1802, and spent 
thirty-seven years in the active itinerant work, and nine as 
supernumerary, and died in the full assurance of eternal rest 
on the 5th of September 1848.' There is also a circumstance 
told of him, which is said to have occurred in 1798, the 
year of the rebellion in Ireland. Mr. Rutledge was a ser- 
geant in the Leitrim Militia, and a local preacher in the 
Methodist society. He was a terror to evil doers; and it 
appears a conspiracy was concocted against him, and, like 
Daniel, it was no doubt said of Rutledge, ' We shall find 
no occasion against him, except we find it against him con- 
cerning the law of his God.' Accordingly, they watched Rutledge 
returning several times from outside the camp, to which they 
alleged he went for the purpose of holding communication with 
the rebels. A charge was drawn up and sent in against him. A 
court-martial was summoned, and Rutledge and his accusers 
appeared. The case was tried, and all the accused could say 
in defence of his frequent absence from barracks was, that he 
retired for devotional purposes, which was disbelieved, and he 
was sentenced to be shot. The whole examination, the accused's 
statement, and the judgment, were laid for confirmation before 
Lord Cornwallis, then Commander-in-chief in Ireland. His 
lordship thought the plea to be rather singular, and he sent for 
the prisoner, saying— 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. I9I 

^ Rutledge, you state that the purpose for which you so fre- 
quently retired beyond the camp was to pray ?' 

* Yes, my lord/ said Rutledge. 

' Well,' said his lordship, ' if that be so, you must be pretty 
expert at that business now. You had better kneel down, and 
give us a specimen of your devotional powers.' 

Rutledge knelt, and poured out his soul in such marvellous 
strains, in which he prayed for the king, for his lordship, for the 
British army, for his country, that before he was half through 
his lordship interrupted him, and said — 

' Quite enough. A man of such intercourse with God could 
never be a rebel.' 

It is also said, that his lordship took him into his own special 
confidence ; and, for anything I know, he may have often heard 
Rutledge pray again, and, perhaps, he was also the means of 
his lordship's conversion. 

We may truly, in this case, adopt the following lines : — 

' When one that holds communion with the skies, 
Has filled his urn where these pure waters rise, 
And once more mingles with us, meaner things, 
' Tis even as if an angel shook his wings ; 
ImiTiortal fragrance fills the circle wide 
That tells us whence his treasures are supplied.' 

Coming to the close of this Methodistic year, Mr. Graham's 
cup cf joy was filled to overflowing. On the occasion of his 
son's conversion to God, an event long prayed for and earnestly 
anticipated, his rapturous emotion is expressed in the following 
communication : — 

* Carlow, February 24, 181 8. 

* My dear Charles, — Your last letter was greatly blessed to me, seeing 
the Lord in mercy has looked upon you again, and brought you into His 
fold. May He, of His great mercy, keep you the residue of your days 
near His wounded side. He loved you, and gave Himself for you. O 
to grace how great a debtor." While I live, may I live to Him. Two 
Catholics have been lately converted. — Your affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham.' 



XVIL 



' For the redemption of their soul is precious.' — Psalm xlix. 8. 

* Vs^hat is the thing of highest price 

The whole creation round ? 
That Avhich was lost in Paradise, 

That which in Christ was found, 
The soul of man. Jehovah's breath, 

That keeps two worlds at strife ; 
Hell moves beneath to Avork its death, 

Heaven stoops to give it life. 

Cod to reclaim it did not spare 

His well-beloved Son ; 
Jesus to save it deigned to bear 

The sins of all in one. 
The Holy Spirit sealed the plan. 

And pledged the blood divine ; 
To ransom every soul of man. 

That price was paid for mine. 

And is this treasure borne below 

In earthly vessels frail? 
Can none its utmost value know. 

Till flesh and spirit fail ? 
Then let us gather round the cross. 

That knowledge to obtain; 
Not by the soul's eternal loss, 

But everlasting gain, ' 

J. Montgomery. 



XVIL 



REAPPOINTED TO MISSION WORK, 

Appointed to Newtownbarry as a missionary in his sixty-ninth 
YEAR. — Supplies for the circuit minister.— Extract of a 

LETTER FROM HIS SON.— LETTER FROM ReV. SAMUEL STEELE.— 

Letter from young Mr, Graham to his father. — Brief 

JOURNALS FOR SEVEN MONTHS. — LETTER FROM MR. FeELY.— 

Letter from Mr. Graham to the Rev. Joseph Taylor, Lon- 
don. — Another- to same.— Letters to his son, and to Mr. 
Taylor. 

" ~ T the Conference of this year, iSiS, Mr, Graham was 
appointed to the Newtownbarry circuit as a new mis- 
sion field. Now, \\Tthin a month of the sixty-ninth year 
of his age, he entered on his labours here ^^Tth all the animation 
of a young man. He seems to rejoice that the closing years of his 
eventful life were likely to terminate as they began on the mission 
field, which was actually the case, and a fitting termination it 
was. It was not with him ^ a youth of labour and an age of 
ease.' Immediately after his appointment to this mission, he 
says, ' I had to supply circuit work for the Rev. Andrew 
Hamilton for a short time, who was laid aside by a sore leg. 
He refers to this event in the following extract of a letter 
written to his son : — 

* Thank God, my health has been good since I left Dublin. Mr. Hamilton 
cannot travel, and I have been confined to this circuit for him. I have 
been preaching in the streets and in the markets. The poor people are sunk 
in superstition and idolatry. Heaven alone can relieve them. Many of them 

N 




194 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



give me a patient hearing, and seem to be greatly affected ; but having to 
do with their priests does not admit of their judging for themselves. Per- 
haps their deliverance may be at hand. May the Saviour who redeemed 
them open a door for them, and deliver them from the galling yoke they 
labour under. We have a great work on this circuit, near Gorey. Mn 
Reilly and a local preacher and myself held forth lately at a field meeting 
to some thousands, who were greatly broken down. They said they never 
saw such a day. I hope this will be a year of great blessing. May tiie 
great Head of the Church assist us.. — Your affectionate father, 

' Charlus Graham. ^ 

Shortly after this the Rev. Samuel Steele wrote to Mr. 
Graham on the subject of missionary labour, and about keeping 
his journals regularly, and forwarding them to London to the 
Mission House. Mr. Steele was representative to the English 
Conference this year, and after his return he thus, writes to Mr. 
Graham, to Newtownbarry : — 

' Rqscrea, Sepfeinher 1 6^ iSiS. 
*My very dear Brother, — You are to write to London at least once 
a quarter, giving the committee a circumstantial account of your success,, 
and mode of your proceeding. They wish to be able to state to their 
friends and the public what the missionaries are doing in Ireland. Nothing 
interests them so much as a particular account of the conversions of Roman 
Catholics. By so doing you will make the Irish mission interesting to the 
English. Thank God we have a prospect of domg good in several parts of 
this circuit. Our congregations in this town are increasing. Let us be 
zealous and faithful, and our path will be like that of the just that shineth 
more and more to the perfect day. — I am, my dear brother, affectionately 
yours (with love to wSister Graham), ' Samuel Steele.' 

The following is from his son about the same date : — 

'Dublin, September 22^, 1818. 
* My VERY DEAR FATHER, — On last Sabbath I, and indeed the whole 
Society, attended the remains of Mr. Arthur Keene to ''the Cabbage 
Garden" (an old burial ground), where he was buried, and very near the 
spot where my mother lies. Mr. Averell came from Cork to see him, bur 
was late. He died before he came, but he spoke at the grave ; and I went 
to hear him in the [evening. I bless God my face is still Zionward, and I 
trust, by the grace of God, to continue so. I feel no desire to turn back, 
and I can truly say, "I hate the sins that made Him mourn." I earnestly 
long for and desire purity of heart. This, I beheve is my pri^dlege to 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



195 



obtain, and which I trust I shall never rest until I possess it. I beg an 
interest in your prayers that I may obtain the desire of my soul, and that I 
may be enabled to serve God acceptably, with a perfect heart and with a 
willing mind. I offer up my feeble prayers to God for your success, and 
that God may give you many s^als to your ministry, and preserve you to a 
good old age, to be a blessing to thousands. — I remain, dear father, your 
affectionate son, Charles Graham.' 

During this year — from July 19, 18 18, until February 24, 
1 8 19 — he seems to be in labours more abundant in the fairs, 
and markets, and fields of the County Wexford.. His records 
are very brief, but sufficient to show that the ruling passion for 
saving souls did not decline with age. His journal runs thus : — 

'July 19, preached in the T£i2.-^^Q\: oi Newtozviibarry.. July 29, preached 
in Gorey market August 5, a field meeting. August 19, preachjed in the 
market. September 9, market. September 16, in Gorey inarket.. 17, 
Field meeting. 24, in Newtownharry market. October 7, Gorey market. 
October 22, Newtownharry market. November 4, in the fair. This day I 
got a most attentive hearing. November 1 1, in Gorey market. I had a 
patient, and I hope a profitable hearing. November 18, I had the clergy 
(Established Church) to hear at some distance. One of them said that he 
enjoyed my holding out a free salvation, and wondered when he saw the 
crowd so attentive. December 29, preached in the Gorey market. The 
people veiy attentive, and many much afiected. January 13, Newtownbany 
market; we had a good hearing. 19, Gorey ; many heard with deep atten- 
tion. 28, Newtow7ibarry ; it was feared I should be opposed by a degraded 
priest, who made a great noise on the last market-day, and wanted to see 
me in order to confute me, but he did not appear, and I had no intermption, 
but a patient, and I trust profitable hearing, February 2, 18 19. — As I came 
to the fair of Ballycanew I heard that John Gowen had been murdered the 
night before, and, from the appearance of the times, I was tempted for a 
moment to think it dangerous to preach in the fair; but I considered — 
whether I should be the next to suffer or not — I should do my duty and 
sound the alarm to misguided, perishing sinners. The Lord sent me help. 
John S. Wilson stood by me (afterwards the Rev. J. S'. Wilson), and delivered 
a faithful warning. We had a patient, and, I am persuaded, a profitable 
hearing. February 3, I preached in the market of Gorey, and the Lord 
stood by me. It was a solemn time; God grant the impressions maybe 
lasting. February 10, preached in Newtownbany, from Acts iv. 12, 

Neither is there salvation in any other," &c. This subject bore doAvn 
on the Popish doctrine of priestly absolution, the intercession of angels and 



196 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHA:\r, 



of saints, dead or alive. One cried out, "What then shall we do?" I 
said I would set him right. I then opened the way of salvation through 
our Lord Jesus Christ, and soon after he went away quietly. February 1 7, 
came to the market of Gorey.^ A drunken priest, a day or two before, 
made a great noise, and blasphemously crying out that he would put 
Graham down, as he did in Newto^^mbarry, but he took good care not to 
meet me in either place. I had a great hearing on this day. Some of the 
Catholics thought to drag others away, but they would not stir until they 
heard me out. Februaiy 24, preached in Newtownbany. A man at a dis- 
tance made a great noise, but I continued to alarm the people, and to warn 
them to be prepared for death and judgment. They seemed to feel much. 
A woman, with tears in her eyes, took me by the hand and thanked me. ' 

Thus this aged veteran continued, both in winter and in 
summer, his exhausting labours for the five years he was sta- 
tioned on this mission ; and when it is considered that one street 
service requires a larger expenditure of bodily strength than 
half-a-dozen of sermons inside — at least in j\Ir, Graham's style 
and voice of thunder — we are utterly amazed how he held out 
so long. But there must surely have been supernatural strength 
afforded according to his ministerial ' day,' Nor was he without 
singular fruit to his incessant labours. It was on one of those 
occasions of street preaching in Gorey that young John Byrne 
was convinced, and afterwards converted to God, and became 
a minister in our Connexion, and travelled for three years, when 
his health failed and he had to retire, but finished well. 

The following letter is from INIr. John Feely, to whom 
reference was made by Mr. Graham to his son in Dublin, 
when he travelled the Carlow circuit in the year 181 7 : — 

^Athy, Oa. I, 1 818. 
*My DEAR Sir, — I have a few moments to disburden a mind full of 
thought. I hope in our God your soul and body prosper, and that you 
enjoy the full assurance of hope; also, that the vv-ork of God is prospeiing 
in your hands in that country (County Wexford). Flere in Athy we have a 

* The writer feels pleasure in acknowledging the vast improvement of the 
present times in regard to the habit above alluded to, when compared with 
v\'hat it sometimes was of both Churches, fifty or sixty years ago. I hope 
this suffices, once for all. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



197 



prospect of a revival of the **undefiled religion" of the Lord Jesus. The 
great Husbandman is seemingly determined to ingraft new branches in the 
room of those who have fallen off. Oh, pray that He may even here raise 
up a people to His name. Providence has fixed me here. I have opened 
a school, and have tuitions in the country. My mind, after all, is not easy. 
I fervently implore my heavenly Father to circumcise my heart and lips 
with power Divine, and send me to call poor, perishing sinners to repen- 
tance. Oh, if He would deign to do this one thing for me, I would be per- 
fectly easy. I am well aware of the greatness of the work, of my o^yn 
unfitness, but also of the Lord's omnipotence. My clay is in the hands of 
the potter. I lay me down at the feet of the Almighty Jesus, in whom 
dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Thy kingdom come. O Lord 
God Almighty, Fountain of love, take pity on a perishing world. May the 
unspotted spouse of Jesus (His Church) daily flourish, and be adorned in 
the beauty of holiness. God bless you, Mr. (iraham. — Your son, 

'John Feely.' 

The following is the first letter from Mr. Graham to the 
Rev. Joseph Taylor, Methodist Mission House, No. 74 Hatton 
Garden, London : — 

' Newtqwnbarry, Od. 17, 18 1 8. 

* My dear Brother, — have undertaken the work of this mission with 
fear and trembling, knowing that I have not only the infernal powers to 
contend with, but also the leaders of those poor deluded sheep. As I w^as 
the first called out to,, this work after the rebellion, Mr. Ouseley was then 
appointed to travel wdth me. We laboured for six years together, and, 
thank God, it was not in vain. The day of judginent only will be able to 
tell the results. I had no idea of being sent to the mission work again, 
being now in the sixty-ninth year of my age. I have taken to the streets 
since I came, and had a good hearing. Those who understand the Irish 
say I speak the truth, and seem to be much affected. Their clergy ar^ 
crying out against us in their chapels, as "false prophets," &c. ; but I tni.-r 
the light will break in upon them, and raise up from among themselves 
some who will be able to instruct them^ such as John Feely, who fled an.l 
sought mercy, and found it, under the first sermon he heard me preach. 
The Lord has raised him up to be useful. Also, David O'Hanlon, and a 
drum-major and his wife (a Catholic), have been ail lately converted to God, 
and three other Catholics converted last year; and now a blessed work is 
going on here. — I am yours affectionately,, 

'Charles Graham, 

* To the Rev, Joseph Taylor^ of London 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



We also find the following letter from the same place : — 

* Gore Y, Feb. 13, 18 19. 
' 3Iy dear Brother Taylor, — Since you heard from me last, I have 
been preaching m markets and fairs, mitil I have been so exhausted as to 
be forced to take to my bed \ but I trust my labours have not been in vain 
in the Lord. I had rigid opposition in one of the fairs — ^nothing like it 
since the rebellion. They thought to have conquered. Some of them said, 
' •' diey ^vould have but one religion.'' It was in Gorey. Mr. Mayne was 
put down, and I could scarcely be heard, the noise was so great. Satan 
and his angels disputed the gi-ound with us, but the rioters were confounded, 
and many of the poor Catholics were ashamed of their conduct. I published 
I would preach there again the following week. I did so, although the day 
was veiy cold. I had a blessed hearing. The Lord sent a young man to my 
help. He was as bold as a lion. He sounded an alarm indeed. [I sup- 
pose this to be John S. ^Yilson.] The truth triumphed. I preached lately 
at a funeral, where I had many Catholics. The Lord attended the AVord, 
and many Avere convinced. I endeavoured to undo the doctrines of purga- 
toiy and priestly absolution by proclaiming a free and full salvation. Our 
Churches (Established) in this countiy are greatly corrupted \Adth a limited 
redemption. I told some of them that I feared they would undo their 
Church, as the mass will undo the Roman Catholic Church. ^Mr. Ouseley 
told me that between Lublin and Cork about one thousand members have 
joined society. About two hundred have joined us here lately, and many 
of them Catholics. Feely is preaching, Owens holds on his ^^-ay, and 
O'Connor is taken up by the Church (Establishment). God be praised for 
this glorious work. 

■'Your affectionate brother, 

'Charles Graham.' 

He writes again as folloAvs, to the Rev. Joseph Taylor of 
London : — 

* XEWTOvrxE.-^RY, MavcJi 21, 181 9, 
' I\Iy dear Brother, — When I came to this mission I had but two 
places which I could call my ov.-n, and therefore I went through the fairs 
and markets until places opened to me, where I am now fully employed, 
independent of the places vrhere tlie circuit preachers labour. And still the 
prospect opens. I may say I labour more tlian when I was on a circuit. 
The outside work is very hea\w. Our preaching-places are crowded, and 
many forced to stand outside. The ^lost High has come to our help this 
year. We have a blessed revival on ever}- hand. When we were at the 
lowest ebb, He hasted to visit us. It would not be easy to tell the num- 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



bers who attended Messrs. Ouseley and Reilly. These blessed men are 
indefatigable, and the Lord is mighty with them, and blessing their labours ; 
and both missionaries and circuit preachers are working in this revival. 
All glory to God for ever and ever. He helps me in the decline of life, and 
I feel grateful and humble, that He enables me to do anything to bring 
glory to His great name. In this revival some of the Catholics have been 
awakened. One was persecuted for joining us, and was branded as *^a 
heretic. " Poor man ! he took ill, and died ; but I hope the Lord has taken 
him to Himself. The Romans reported he was mad. A woman (a Roman 
Catholic) also died lately ; she heard me attentively, and was most anxious 
to see me in her last moments. O Lord Most High, have mercy on this 
people. Burst their bonds. How many of them would be blest, if they 
were at liberty to hear the truth : as they say themselves, ' ' if they knew the 
right way, they would walk in it." 

' I am yours affectionately, 

* Charles Graham.' 

This letter was written in answer to certain inquiries relative 
to the missionaries occupying circuit ground. 

I must now introduce a very interesting letter from Mr, 
Graham to his son. It is dated from the residence of Mr. 
Tackaberry: — 

' TOMAGADDY, April 25, 1819. 

*My dear Charles, — This has been a good year with me in every 
sense of the word. I am loudly called upon to look forward and be pre- 
pared whenever it pleases the Lord to call upon me. May He grant me 
grace to have my work done ! The blessed work of conviction and conver- 
sion is still going on in the society and congregations. Much of the power 
of the Lord attends the Word in every direction, and much of heaven is 
found in our meetings. This was a glorious morning — to see young and old 
broken down, and then rejoicing in God, was truly affecting. Blessed be 
the Lord that directed me here again (formerly three years as a circuit 
preacher). I find this fourth year to be the best; they are so far from being 
tired of me, that they only fear I shall be taken from them. May I be 
humble and thankful. *'0 what hast Thou for sinners done!" I preached 
yesterday week in the market of Gorey. I had a blessed hearing, although 
the ballad -singers thought to annoy me. Blessed be the Lord, even those 
who were open enemies are become friends. In fact, everything seems to 
give way to the work of God. Perhaps the Lord will make my last days 
my best and happiest. While other preachers are laid up with infirmities, 
I have health to eat and drink, and sleep and labour. Marvellous are Thy 



THE LIFE OF THE REV, C. GRAHAM. 



works, O Lord ; and above all, to see the fruit of our labour ! A young 
woman who was converted three years ago prayed this morning, to the 
astonishment and edification of all. Perhaps in the kingdom you would not 
meet with such young men and women as are on this circuit, jNIost of theni 
not only justified, but in the possession of sanctification. This work is. 
spreading and deepening. I am a wonder to myself, now going into my 
seventieth year. All the priests can do cannot prevent some of them from 
hearing. 

* As ever, your affectionate father, 

'C. Gpl\ham.' 

He writes again to the Rev. Joseph Taylor of London : — 

* Newtown b arry, June 25 , 1 8 1 9. 
* My dear Brother, — I bless God for your prosperity. Our God will 
do great things. We had to hold our meeting last Sabbath in a Roman 
Catholic chapel, which our people have obtained. It is now a preaching- 
house. The priest of this chapel was killed in the last rebellion. We had 
John Feely, the converted Roman Catholic, to preach in it. Brothers 
Reilly and Barber also preached, and we had much prayer. The place was 
well watered. Brother Feely is recommended by the district to travel. A 
clerg}"man of the (Established) Church strove to persuade me against preaching 
in the street, but I had a patient and profitable hearing ! The power of the 
Lord fell on the crowd. Thus we leave the trath in the public places. It 
is mighty, and will prevail. Some of the Catholic servants, who hear us 
where we lodge, have been greatly persecuted and injured, but they are 
faithful. Oh, the mercies of the year ! 

'Yours affectionately, 

*C. Gr.\ha^.' 



XVIII. 



* On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, 

And cast a wishful eye 
To Canaan's fair and happy land, 
Where my possessions lie. 

O the transporting, rapturous scene 

That rises to my sight ! 
S^veet fields an-ayed in living green, 

And rivers of delight. 

All o'er those ^^ide extended plams 

Shines one eternal day; 
There God the Sen for ever sliuies, 

And scatters night away. 

No chilling wmds or poisonous breath 

Can reach that peaceful shore ; 
Sickness and sorro\v, pain and death, 

Are felt and feared no more. 

When shall I reach that happy place, 

And be for ever blest? 
AMien shall I see my Father's face. 

And in His bosom rest? 

Filled ^^dth deligbt my raptured soul, 

Can here no longer stay ; 
Though Jordan's waves around me roll. 

Fearless I'll launch away.'* 

J. MOXTGOMERY. 



* This was a favourite hymn with. Mr. Ouseley, who sung it to the 
Irish air of * Gra machree^'' or ' Tara's Hall.' 



CHAPTER XVIIL 



SPIRITUAL CHILDREN— LETTERS. 

Letter to his son.— Do. to Mr. Ta\'lor of London. — Mission 

HOUSE CIRCULAR ^ROM ReV. MESSRS. BUNTING, TaYLOR, AND R. 

Watson. — Mr. Graham's second year's appointment to New- 
TOWNBARRY.— Letter from Mr. John Feely. — Letter from 
YOUNG Mr. Graham on sanctification. — Letter of Rev. John 
Wesley on the same subject. — Letter to Mr. Taylor of 
London. — Do., very important. 

R. GRAHAM J in writing to his son, says : — 

* Newtgwnbarry, Aug. 2oth, 1 8 19. 
* My dear Charles, — Fossey Tackaberry helped me in Gorey 
market. The Lord gave us a wonderful hearing. The Protestants wondered 
at the attention of the Catholics, although their bishop charged a man and 
his sister 20s. for hearing me near Arklow. A schoolmaster was reported 
as having heard us, and had our books in his house. He was denounced 
and all his scholars dispersed. He was to be excommunicated on the follow- 
ing Sabbath, but he slipped off to church (the Established). It is hard to 
get one soul out of their hands. Fossey TackabeiTy's servant boy has left 
the mass. It is amazing to think how long this delusion lasts ; and how 
they can dream of having religion, and at the same time committing all 
manner of sin, I cannot divine. But error is infatuating, and *'she has 
made the nations drunk with the wine of her fornication." Hence they are 
unable to judge for themselves. But nothing should concern myself so 
much as to be ready to leave when I am called. Kempis says, * * It is vain 
to desire to live long, and not desire to live well. " 

* " O that the world might taste and see 
The riches of His grace. " 

'Although my feeble voice can extend to few, my prayers can extend to 

O 




THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



203 



many. Lord help me to be found more fervent and more earnest than ever. 
1 have been warning S — — lest she should be hardened through the deceit- 
fulness of sin. We hear bad news from England. No doubt, Popery is at 
the bottom of it. 'Tis not unlikely but they have some devilish scheme on 
foot, for they are always workmg in the dark. Remember me to Mr. and 
Mrs. Dale. 

* Ever your affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham.' 

How Mr. Graham secured time to mite journals and long 
letters I am at a loss to know, except by a marvellous redemp- 
tion of time from sleep and other interruptions. He writes 
again to London, in the following terms, continuing his reports 
as requested : — 

' New Tow^N BARRY. Aicgiist 4/^ ,1819. 
• My dear Brother, — Last Sabbath we had John Feely again, and 
hundreds of people flocked to hear him. He was once a determined enemy 
to this way, but now *'a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." Ke 
has the salvation of souls very much at heart. All the Catholic converts 
are delighted with him . AVilliam Byrne, from the County Wicklow, came to 
see him, and converse Avith him, also George Miller. These men have been 
proclaimed and deprived of all subsistence. I hear there were forty candles 
put out, and all horrible curses pronounced by the bishop and clergy in 
excommunicating John Feely and Francis Cavanagh, and likely George 
Miller also, for what they call heresy, [This was surely cano7i /aw.] It 
requires no small share of resolution to leave that apostate Church. A 
young man refused to obey his father in .going to mass, and the priest came 
and asked, ''Why he disobeyed his father?" He answered, "If any love 
father or mother more than me, said Christ, he is not worthy of me." The 
priest said, " Let him go, he is full of heresy." The lad escaped, and said 
to a friend, that portion of Scripture comforted me, " Greater is he that is 
for you than all that is against you." He by some means obtained one of 
Mr. Ouseley's tracts, which first unhinged him. A Roman Catholic girl to 
whom I spoke at one of my lodging places lately, is now a member of our 
society. Several schoolmasters have left, and next to the priest the people 
look up to them as men of understanding. May the great Head of the 
Church prepare us for, and assist us in, this glorious work. 

* I am yours -affectionately, 

* Charles Graham.' 

7> tAe Rev. Joseph Taylor, of Lo7ido7i.^ 



The following is an extract from a circular forwarded to all 



204 



THE LIFE OF THE REV, C GRAHAM, 



the Wesleyan missionaries employed under the British Con- 
ference, and sent to Mr. Graham by the Rev. Joseph Taylor, 
with the annexed note : — 

* Wesleyan Mission House, 77 Hatton Garden, 
London, October 1819. 

' My dear Brother, — I beg to acknowledge the receipt of yours, and 
to thank you for the regularity of your communications. We rejoice to 
hear of the prosperity of your work in Ireland ; may the Lord increase it. — 
I am yours truly, 

* Joseph Taylor.' 

EXTRACT. 

* Dear Brethren, — We have just concluded our annual Conference at 
Bristol. The form of receiving brethren mto full connexion, on the Monday 
and Tuesday evenings of the second week of the Conference, was rendered 
peculiarly impressive by the experience of !Mr. Hawtiy, formerly a captain 
in the army,"^ and now appointed a missionary to Paris; and also, by the 
presence of INIr. Harvard, whom Providence has safely brought to this 
countiy from Ceylon. The ardent missionary feelings and just views of the 
honour, importance, and peculiar sanctity of missionary labour discovered 
in his address, raised all our hearts in thankfulness to God for having raised 
up such men among us for His o^ra purposes ! The increase in our societies 
this year is 6,905, of which the mcrease in Great Britain was 1,700. In 
Ireland, 3,528 (more than hcdf of all)^ and m the missions, 1,677. The 
increase in America is up^vards of 11,000. You "s^dll rejoice -s^ith us in the 
goodness of God to our brethren in Ireland in cheering them under the 
recent troubles they have suffered, in consequence of the lamented divisions 
of their societies in that countr}'-, by rendering their ministry eminently 
useful through the year. The fruit of your missionary labours during the 
last year will never be fiilly estimated, but in eternity! It is from your 
living in Christ, and under the ef&cient influence of His grace, that a sense 
of the inestimable value of souls will be preserved in your minds, for out 
of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Dear brethren, bear 
with us whilst we remind you, not in the spirit of suspicion, but in that of 
watching over each other in love, that, as missionaries, you have peculiar 



* This Captain Hawtry was converted in Ireland through the instru- 
mentality of Mr. Graham-'s street preaching. He was in the Irish 
Conference in 1824. When the obituary of ]Mr. Graham was read, he rose 
and said — ' It is far below his worth; ' and alluded to the time of his own 
conversion; and when he first heard him preach in Ireland. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



205 



temptations, and need not only to put on, but to wear daily the ^yllole 
annour of God. Against a slothfid disposition let us affectionately exhort 
you to make vigorous efforts. Almost ever}^thing depends upon the 
personal exertions of a missionar}^; for, from his example, all subordinate 
agents ^^"ill take the measure of their own duty, and however \^'illing they 
may be to labour, yet they need the constant and vigilant superintendence 
of their ministers. Look at the example of all distinguished missionaries, of 
Wesley, Coke, Swartz, Elliott, Braiiiard^ and others. Imitate their labours, 
love, and patient zeal. 

* You will have your discouragements, yet relying upon the blessing of 
God in a holy perseverance, the most unpromising appearances will give 
way. He who thinks nothing can be done >^dll certainly effect nothing. 
Before constant application at the throne of grace, the most insuperable 
obstacles will give way ! The iNIoravian mission in Greenland, tiie London 
mission in the South Seas, the Baptist mission in India, and our o\m West 
Indian and Ceylon missions, are eminent instances. " If I am not success- 
ful myself," Said the excellent Henry jNIartin; " God may make use of my 
patience and continuance to encourage the attempts of some future mission- 
aries." ^Yatch against impatience of spirit^ self-confidence, /ri^/t?, and, above 
all, against the spirit of sloth and decline in religious experience. " Let 
me never fancy I have zeal," said an eminent missionary,', " mitil my heart 
overflows ^rith love to every man living." And noAV, dear bretliren, we 
commend you and your work to the Lord. Long may you be spared to 
labour in this the highest vocation of the Christian mmistry, and abundanily 
may you reap the frtiit of your labotirs I Soon v-ill the period of active life 
be terminated. iNIay it be employed by us and by you in fulfilling the 
ministry we have received of the Lord Jesus in the only work on earth 
v hich will have immortal results, and extend felicitous and glorious conse- 
quences into ages of future time, and into etemit}' itself. 

^Ye are, dear brethren, yours affectionately, 

*J. Bunting, 

J. Taylor, Jun. I ^'''''''^ 
R. Watson, ^ ^^^retaries: 

The follo^nng obseiYations, which are also embodied in this 
admirable docmnent are of first-class importance, and deserve 
general perusal : — 

' It is necessaiy for the Chiistian missionaiy to spend as much time as 
public duty will allow in retirement, not merely for purposes of study and 
mental improvement, but to cultivate a full acquaintance with his otvti 
heart, to hold intercourse vvith God in prayer, and fully to obtain the pro- 



206 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



mised supplies of the Holy Spirit, read books on practical di\-inity, 
and also the lives of good men. Of the fo'r'7ner we commend Wesley's 
Christ ia7i Library ; and of the latter^ The Life of the late Rev. LLenry 

Martin: 

We may observe that this year (1819) was vety remarkable 
for its increase in the sphere of Mr. Graham's labours, and on 
his mission, as well as in many other parts of Ireland. Between 
the new mission just formed and the circuit around, the increase 
was 270 members. 

]\Ir. Graham was appointed again — from July 18 19 to July 
1820 — to the same mission as last year, and on which he 
appears to have laboured ^^ith the same arduous toil and 
success as the former : indeed, each succeeding year, as his 
life nears the goal, appears to be more abundantly honoured 
with the richest conversions, all solid and pillar-like, as his 
allusions will justify anon. The follo^^^ng is another interesting 
extract of a letter from his endeared son in the Gospel, the 
Rev. John Feely, to whom allusion has been made again and 
again : — 

' Crossabeg, February 9, 1 820. 
'IMy dear 2sIr. Graham, — I am happy to have an opportunit}^ of 
writmg to you — I wished for it. The Lord sent me where I believe he had 
work for me to do. Athy is remarkable. There I met two young men 
who were inquiring. One heard me on Xew-Year's morning on Phihppians 
iii. 3, "We are tlie true circumcisiorL, " &c« His heart became di\-inely 
determined never more to go to the mass. The other came and had his 
remaining doubts removed. ^Ir. Guard, a young preacher (on reseiwe), 
preached, and we prayed with this young man. The Lord heard, and next 
day he returned home rejoicing. He is a very sensible young man. Xext 
day I went to a ^Ir. Wesley's, near Baltmglass, where I delivered a short 
sermon on purity of heart. Brother Guard preached the next evening on 
love. We were happy ; but at family prayer the Lord manifested Himself 
to us. The Divine blessing descended, and a young man cried out for 
mercv, and confessed his sin of backsliding in a most lamentable way. He 
retired, and found peace while praying. Glor}- to God. This young man 
was lately married. I asked his wife if she found peace ; she said not. We 
sang and prayed, and God blessed her also. In fact, the whole family was 
moved, and also the servants. We cried to God, and He heard from 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



207 



heaven. Our parting was veiy affecting. God be glorified ; He was my 
portion all through, and my Instractor. \Ye had large congregations in 
several places, and good has been done during this missionary tour. — I am 
your affectionate son in the Gospel, 

*JOHN FeELY.' 

Thus the Lord was training this young evangelist, and a 
better companion he could not have met to stimulate his zeal 
and confirm his faith than the Rev. William Guard, then a 
local preacher, and on the list of reserve for our ministry, and 
aftenvards an indefatigable Irish missionary for many years. 
He fell in harness on the Donegal mission, but his lamp was 
well trimmed. The crater had the privilege of knovving him 
for many years, 'a faithful man above many.' We have now 
his three honoured sons in our ministry. This would have been 
the highest ambition of his large Wesleyan heart, had he lived 
to see it ; but on his beloved relict has fallen that honour. She 
had been long a full sharer with him in that oft but submns- 
sively prayed-for and mutually anticipated consummation. 

The next letter is from^ j\Ir. Graham's son — now such not 
only in the flesh, but also in the spirit : — 

* Dublin, ^/r// 23, 1820. 
*My very dear Father, — We should aim at being as perfect as pos- 
sible. If we never set the prize in ^dew^ we shall never attain to it. T\Iay 
God help me. I cannot attain to half the perfection I know it is my privi- 
lege to enjoy. I daily see not only my weakness and imperfections, but the 
seeds of evil still cleaving fast to me, and sometimes they show their heads 
over ground, and it requires much labour, perseverance, and self-denial to 
keep them do\\Ti. God only can root them out. 

* I am, dear father, your affectionate son, 

' Charles Graham.' 

The above extract reminds me of a letter which I saw 
lately (Feb. 1868), when I was at Swanlinbar, in the County 
Cavan, on general mission work, and which Mr. Wesley wrote 
at one time, to Mr. James Copeland, of Lisbellaw, County 
Fermanagh, on the very same subject, namely, 'si7i m believers^' 



208 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM. 



to which young ]\Ir. Graham refers. !Mr. 'Wesley "^Tites as 
follows : — 

' Glasgow, Maj 4, 1786. 
*My dear. Brother, — There is no reasonable doubt but you had, at 
tlie time you mention, a real blessing from God. I make no doubt but He 
did then give you a taste of His pardoning love ; but you were not then 
tlioronglily convinced of inbred sin, the sin of your nature. God is now 
comTncing you of this, in order to give you "a clean heart," but Satan 
strives hourly to diive you to despair. Regard him not Look to Jesus. Dare 
to believe. On Chiist lay hold : -wrestle with Him in mighty prayer. Yea, 

* ' A sigh can reach His heart, 
A look will bring Him down from heaven." 

He is at hand. 

' I am, your affectionate brother, 

*J. Wesley. 

' To Mr. yamcs Copdaiid, Lishellaw, IrdanaL* 
]\Ir. Graham ^mtes to London as follows : — 

* XewtowXEARRY, March 31. 1S20. 
'My dear Brother, — Thank God I am still preserved, and eniea- 
vouring feebly to witness for the Saviour in public and in private. I lament 
I do not see a real breach made on the errors of the day. Oh, that I co'z^A 
see more of the travail of tlie Redeemer's souL Still it is cause of praise :o 
see any making tlieir escape. ^la)^ I finish my life and labours to the 
hononr and gloiy of God. But, alas ! how litde have I done for Him who 
d: . s : : : r ii e ,' J : /.it Feely's labours are greatly blessed, althc j^h 



/ : r : y.r TrlT >: rl'. acquainted with the Irish language, and is 

vd. ^ ^1 e . : d . : : : :t dinners, and his own countrymen especially. 
V": 2 : r r : : : . v ent : and although John Byrne has not yet 
Ird -.dr .!d--;. ;.dn:=-, : . ti!ed, my soul is drawn out after h\m. 

dn. d d i - d -^n eiica, to escape. A poor woman (a 
Cathcd f e She said the priest would have nothing to 

do ~dd d: n t: ddnrch her and put his hands on her; 

Tv: dr d :: - df d d : . r . I told her of the grert High 
Priest, v.dic wo'dld not reject her. I dope she may obtain mercy. She 



joins ^family prayer. I had to pray twice with and for her. O Lord, 

hasten Tlw coming, and kdto ' : r: , - ■ ' 0' : ry among all men; and that ** the 
priests themselves may bed.o - . : o . solvation on," for they are a great 
stmnbling-block m the people s way, and are at present most ligidly 
opposing the work of God. — I am, yours IitiIt. 

*C?L\.RLZS GR-\HAM. 

* To the Rev, joseph Taylo7\' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



209 



He writes next from the metropolis : — 

* Dublin, July isf, 1820. 

* My dear Brother, — I am pained when I consider the aw^ul effects of 
sin, and how the "bhnd lead the blind," and are instrumental in their de- 
struction. But, notwithstanding all the vigilance of those teachers, the 
Lord is at work, convincing and converting sorne among them. John 
Feely has passed this Conference. Oh, that the great Head of the Church 
may call and qualify many more who without reserve will give themselves to 
the work, and not be afraid or ashamed to stand in the streets and m.arket- 
places, to publish the tidings of salvation to perishing sinners. I know this 
has a good effect. The people now expect me to preach at every fair and 
market when I come round. It is delightful to see the crowds that attend 
in the open air, and faith comes by hearing." I met a young man in 
coming to Dublin who heard me preach two years ago, and he is now 
truly converted, and a praying member of society. A woman w^hose life was 
threatened stands fast. Thus we have many faithful witnesses who have 
fled from Babylon. O Lord, hasten her downfall. All glory to God. 
Amen and Amen. 

* I am most affectionately yours, 

* Charles Graham. . 

' To ike Rev. Joseph Taylor.' 

Writing again from Newtownbarry, to ^yhich he returned 
after the Conference of 1820, he says: — 

* Newtownbarry, Oct. list, 1820. 

* My dear Brother, — Many wonder at me, and I wonder at myself, 
that at my time of life, having passed seventy years in the world, I am 
enabled to attend my places both in public and in private houses. Thank 
God for all His mercies to me, who am so imworthy of any favour from 
His hand. But He is good and " His mercy endureth for ever." Hitherto 
He has helped me. Many desire to hear me. Others call me "a devil," 
and curse me most bitterly. If I take this patiently, as I ought to do, I 
should have much cause of rejoicing, seeing I am not only called to believe, 
but also * ' to suffer for Tlis sake. " O, may He grant me patience and resigna- 
tion to His Divine will, so that I may "finish my course" to the ''praise 
and glory of His name." The converts from Rome are doing welL Some 
of them preaching in public places. The Lord has given us another 
schoolmaster lately. May kind Heaven increase the number daily. I 
hope before I go home to see some of these men able to fill even more than 
my place. I am going this day to the market, to proclaim to the listening 

O 



2IO 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



throng salvation through a Saviour's name. May the great Master of 
assemblies send His own Word with Divine power to every sinner's heart. 

^ I am yours affectionately, 

* Charles Graham. 

* To the Rev. Joseph Taylor. ' 

He writes again from Newtownbarry: — 

* Ne WTO Vv^N BARRY, January 2ist, 1821. 

* My dear Brother,— I find we have no other way in getting at Roman 
Catholics but by street preaching at fairs and markets. They are watched 
very close by their clergy, and they leave nothing undone in order to keep 
tliem from hearing us. They even prevent servants from going to hire in. 
Protestant houses, especially where we lodge. But in the markets we have 
a full hearing. I said in the open street lately, We need no other place for 
cleansing the soul ; for the blood of Christ, 

Through earth and skies, 

Mercy, free, boundless mercy cries," 

'Blessed be God for this open fountain. I don't fail to warn them even at 
the expense of my health, and all that is dear to me. I trust I shall live to 
see better days. The work of the Lord is prospering in convincing, con- 
verting, and sanctifying, I trust the Lord will avert the malice of men and 
devils. I cannot but admire the fortitude of the converts from Rome. 
Two of them went lately to warn their friends. The mother of one of them 
(a female) struck her with the tongs, and blackened her arm. The other 
was near being murdered, but escaped with his life. The country is dis- 
turbed. I hear that two cart-loads of pikes have been taken near Dublin^ 
and lodged in the Castle, and that many delegates have been taken* If the 
present disturbances subside, I hope the word preached will have greater 
power, as their minds would be more tranquil. May they see their danger 
and speedily return, 

* Yours affectionately, 

* Charles Graham. 

* To the Rev. Joseph Taylor J 



XIX. 



* But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the 
power may be of God, and not of us.' — 2 Cor. iv. 7. 

' I would the precious time redeem, 
And longer live for this alone, 
To spend, and to he spent for them 

Who have not yet my Sa\^our known. 
Fully on these my mission prove, 
And only breathe to breathe Thy love. 

'My talents, gifts, and. graces, Lord, 

Into Thy blessed hands receive ; 
And let me live to preach Thy word, 

And let me to Thy glory live ; 
My every sacred moment spend 
In publishing the sinner's Friend, 

Enlarge, inflame, and fiU my heart 

With boundless charity divine ; 
So shall I all my strength exert. 

And love them with a zeal like Thhie ; 
And lead them to Thy open side. 
The sheep for whom their Saviour died.*" 



CHAPTER XIX. 



ENLARGED MISSION.— LETTERS AND RESULTS. 
A LETTER FROM Mr. GrAHAM TO HIS SON. — A LETTER FROM YOUNG 

Mr. Graham to his father. — Mr. Graham's letter to his son 
IN REPLY. — Letter from Rev. M. Lanktree. — His views of 
Christian unity and union applicable to our being united 
to the Primitive connexion. — Mr. Ouseley's mode of arguing 
WITH Roman Catholics. — Conversion of a soldier at Water- 
loo. — Letter from Mr. Graham to his son. — Visit of Rev. 
John Feely, his son in the Gospel. — Mr. Felly's character 
OF Mr. Ouseley. — Mr. Ouseley's of Mr. Feely. — Mr. Graham 
TO HIS son. — Two letters to mission secretary. — Another to 

HIS SON. 

HE following letter affords strong evidence of the 
truthfulness of the Divine record in a spiritual and 
, ministerial sense — ' He bringeth forth fruit in old 
age.' It unfolds much of his labours during the greater part of 
the year, as indeed the whole- of this marvellous chapter of 
incidents does; almost passing strange at his age, and yet 
true : — 

* Newtownbarry, Mzr^:/^ 24, 1 82 1. 

* My dear Charles, — Thank God, we are all in health, and want for 
nothing, unless more gi-atitude and love to our Maker ; and we may have 
these blessings also for asking. Oh, what a mercy that heaven is so free of 
access ! Encouraged, yea commanded, to come and receive out of His ful- 
ness. Alas ! how little faith we possess. It appears there is a total stop 
put to the schemes of the disloyal in this country. There was much night- 




THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



213 



work among them ; but the Lord reigns, and blessed be our Rock. I am 
still preaching to them, and, notwithstanding all the prohibitions of their 
clergy, I have a hearing. 'Tis of the Lord I am left so long in this country. 
Before I leave, it would appear the Lord will raise up young men who will 
more than fill my place. Two of these blessed young men took their station 
by my side on the last market-day of Gorey. It appeared veiy formidable 
to see three men, set in battle array, preparing to open a battery upon the 
ramparts of Babylon.. It was a glorious time. Many rejoiced to see it. 
After we had done speaking, a Catholic came to one of the young men and 
said, I heard the truth., and will embrace it.." We. shall soon have him 
amongst our people. It is astonishing how my health has been preserved 
with so much market work through the winter, and what has transpired of 
the spring. I have been every week at some market or other, when it was 
dry overhead ; and it seemed to harm me less than the summer. I wonder 
at the goodness of the Lord. Perhaps He will let me see another Con- 
ference. I hear Doctor Clarke is to be over in the month of May to open 
your new house in Abbey Street ; and if I am spared, m.ercy only knows 
where I shall spend the next year. But I leave it all to Him who has hitherto 
directed me. If I could lie passive in His hands, all would be well. Oh, 
for faith and patience, resignation, gratitude, and humility! How many are 
my mercies and obligations ! Surely goodness and mercy have followed 
me." I see His hand, and I adore the riches of His redeeming love. I 
hope young Charles [graitdsoii] is growing good. If he bends his mind to 
serve God it will make him dutiful, and he will be a blessing. Oh, to bear 
the yoke in youth ! May parents and children so live and act as not to be 
separated at last. — I am, as ever, your affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham.' 

The following letter from his son refers to a great many 
stirring events, as indeed our whole history, both national and 
ecclesiastical, seems never to have been anything else but 
eventful ; it also shows what a keen observer of men and 
things young Mr. Graham had been i-^ 

* Dublin, 8, 1821. 

*My very dear Father,— You will have the Doctor at the Confe- 
rence. He is to open our chapel in Abbey Street at the end of June. He 
will also administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper on that day. The 
Catholic Bill has passed the House of Commons by a majority of nineteen, 
and has gotten the first reading in the House of Lords ; and there is little 



214 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



doubt entertained but it will obtain the royal assent. Peel and Ellis were 
the only members who opposed it in the Commons, and succeeded in 
getting a clause inserted that disqualifies Roman Catholics from filling the 
office of Lord Chancellor of Ireland ; and it is supposed the Lords will 
insert a clause to exclude them from being judges. There were two bills 
brought in — one to emancipate the Roman Catholics generally, and the 
other to regulate the intercourse of the clergy and people with the See of 
Rome. To the latter their clergy are strenuously opposed, for by it all 
their correspondence with the Pope should be submitted to Government. 
There is another measure in contemplation, which is to pay all the clergy 
out of the Treasury-, and take the expenses off the people altogether. 
... I ^\Tote the above three weeks ago, and I have now to tell you 
that, notwithstanding the strenuous efforts made, and the strong expecta- 
tion created for the bill to pass, it was thrown out in the Lords by a 
majority of thirty-nine. The Duke of York was against it; and he is the 
heir to the crown. The majority of the Lords went vdth him. It has 
created a great sensation amongst the Catholics. It is said that the kings 
ministers will bring it forward again. God only knows what is best. 
How thankful and devoted should I be ! May God enable me to put mv 
whole tiTist and confidence in Him, who has fed, and clothed, and presers'ed 
me all my life — far above what I could expect. May I devote the 
remainder of my days to His sen'ice, so that I may at last inherit eternal 
life, for the sake of Jesus Christ. You will not go to any one from me at the 
Conference. I have a house and a heart to entertain you. — Your affec- 
tionate Son, 

* Charles Graham.' 

From the above we see what efforts were made to remove 
the disabilities of the Roman Catholics at that time ; but it 
wdiS not mitil 1829 the Emancipation Act was passed, in 
reference to which Lord Eldon remarked — ' If this act pass, 
the sun of England's glory sets.' It is said that a solemn oath- 
was taken that there never would be the shghtest effort made 
to injure the Church of England in this country. What the 
present stirring events about its disendoT;\Tnent may bring to 
pass, it would be difficult to tell. ^ ]May the Lord defend the 
right' At the Conference of 182 1 the sphere of Mr. Graham's 
labours was somewhat enlarged by taking in the whole county 
of Wexford. His mission was now called 'the County Wexford 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



Mission,' very likely for the purpose of keeping him the longer 
in this part of the country, to mature the work so auspiciously 
begun. The following was the first letter after this Conference 
to his son : — 

* Newtown BARRY, August 8, 1821. 
*My dear Charles, — I have gone round my mission since I returned, 
and preached in the market of Gorey to a vast crowd. Fossey Tackaberry 
helped me, a most blessed young man. We held field meetings for the 
last three Sabbaths, when crowds flocked to hear. What a mercy that we 
are privileged to preach when and where we please. God bless King 
George IV. May he long live to sway the British sceptre, and defend his 
loyal subjects! What a mercy that we are not driven into comers, and sent 
to prisons for preaching the Word. We have many mercies to be grateful 
for that our forefathers had not— having so few to explain to them the word 
of life. I was to see Mr. Feely. He is greatly lamented by the inhabi- 
tants of Athy, &c. He had a most commodious place to live in; but the 
dear man seems willing to forsake all, and give himself to the v/ork. What 
a mercy when one is about to give up (his account), others are ready to take 
his place. Since I began this letter, I heard of the Queen's death. I must 
confess I feel concerned. Perhaps the Lord has taken her away from the 
evil to come. The Lord sitteth on His throne judging right," and " Llis 
judgments are a great deep." In the day of His coming all will be brought 
to light. Lord help us to watch and do all things in reference to that day. 
It will be a serious thing to meet the Judge. Happy are those who have 
their doubts removed, and their peace made. Oh, Charles, strive to be 
ready ! I need not tell you what opposition I feel in my mind against 
going out upon my mission this year. I doubt not but much of it may 
come from the powers of darkness, who contend with all who resolve to be 
on the Lord's side ; but He has been often better to me than my boding 
fears ! I am in his hand, to make use of me or lay me aside, as seems good 
to Him. If the queen is dead, I suppose all expectation of the king's 
coming to Dublin will be dismissed. May we learn from all these things 
to keep looking unto Him, "who shall come, and will come, and will not 
tarry." May the Most High bless and prosper you for time and eternity. 
— So prays your ever affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham.' 

While Mr. Graham was thus pursuing his hallowed and suc- 
cessful toil in the south-east of the kingdom, God was carrying 
on His work in the far north, through the instrumentality of 



2l6 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 



of Messrs. Lanktree and Hill/'' on the Ards Mission. The 
following records a specimen of their work. It is from a com- 
munication sent to the Mission House, London : — 

* Respecting the spiritual state of our people I can say, to the glory of 
God, I never saw more genuine piety in any part of Ireland. Lately, at a 
Love Feast, as many spoke as time would admit, and all were happy. 
Shortly after, at the Lord's Supper, in Portaferry, such was the holy influ- 
ence, that I could scarcely perform the sacred office. At this sacrament we 
had two converted Roman Catholics — one of whom is now a leader — both 
the fruit of this mission. Many have been converted from a state of great 
profligacy, and some of them from infidelity, one of whom is now beginning 
to instruct others with considerable success. There is a remarkable spirit of 
hearing, and the improved morals recommend the preaching by which that 
improvement has been effected. While the season remained favourable we 
held large meetings almost every Lord's Day in the open air, which have 
been exceedingly owned of God. * Matthew Lanktree.' 

Mr. Lanktree also wrote the following address on the subject 
of uniting a branch of the Methodist body in England who 
had separated many years before. This branch had some 
congregations in this country. His views I consider very 
appropriate and applicable to union of Primitive and Wesleyan 
Methodist bodies, towards which some efforts have been already 
made. I feel pleasure in inserting the document : — 

* Brethren, — I anticipate the happiest consequences from a candid, 
serious, and liberal discussion of the matter thus providentially brought 
under your consideration. It is evident that there can be no earthly, in- 
terested, or selfish motive to influence this proposal. The Spirit of Christ 
can alone effect this union, which would be conducive to the best interests 
of our common cause. Were not the Methodists raised up, as a people, 
to magnify the riches of divine grace, by diffiising scriptural holiness" 
throughout the world ? Why, then, should we be separate bodies — we who 



* The Rev. John Hill still lingers amongst us, a saint indeed. I had 
the great pleasure and privilege of travelling with him for three years 
on the Tullamore circuit, 1846-49 ; and also of seeing him at Belfast Con- 
ference last year (1867), and after that of spending part of a day with him in 
Donaghadee, and, oh, such power as he had with God in prayer ! 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



217 



are one in doctrine^ experience, design, and even general economy ? Oh, let 
our hearts and hands be indissolubly one, and wholly engaged for our God 
and Saviour. Satan strove, by dividing, to destroy us. He raised up 
mountains of prejudice, and barriers of human expediencies between us, in 
order that we might never reunite. But the God of peace is confounding 
Satan's devices. The principal difficulties are already removed. Our 
affections are again flowing together, like mingled streams of a mighty 
river, to stop the mouths of our enemies, and once more to revive the 
ancient proverb, **See how these Christians love one another." Let 
judicious deputations of brethren be appomted on both sides, and let the 
result be kno\^'n to all parties. This appears to be a favourable season for 
consolidating our interests, which, if now lost, may never return with the 
same advantages. May its final consummation bring glor}^ to God, and the 
Psalmist's language be realized — "Behold how good and pleasant it is for 
brethren to dwell together in unit}\" *]Matthe\v Laxktree.' 

I trust those obser\'ations may now meet the eye of some 
influential lovers of our common Zion in Ireland and England 
also, especially those of the Wesleyan and Primitive Wesleyan 
Methodists in Ireland. God Himself has given us indication 
already of what may be done in this way by the spirit of true 
unity, w^hich has been lately poured out so abundantly on both 
denominations, on the Manorhamilton circuit. 

During the year 182 1 Mr. Ouseley was zealously working 
away in the south and south-west part of the kingdom. He 
WTites : — 

' Our congregations were principally Romanists. They refused to be 
hindered by the priests. One young man in Kerry, a Romanist, who had 
been an atheist, was providentially led to hear us, and became so deeply 
convinced as to fall on his face and cried aloud for mercy. A Roman 
Catholic gentleman said to the priest (who allowed him to read the Bible), 
Why do you keep the cup from the laity m the sacrament?" He replied. 
Don't you know we are very poor, and very numerous, and the expense 
of the wine would be veryhea\^\" "But," said the gentleman, **you 
make them pay for baptism, confession, masses, and extreme unction, &c. ?" 
*'Yes, certainly we do," said the priest. **Then, why do you not make 
them pay for the wine also, as it is enjoined by our Lord, who said ' dri/ik 
ye all of this,' &c." Really, Sir," said his reverence, blushing, "this is 
certainly an en-or in our Church. " That was true, but the real cause of 
withholding the cup was this, that it would prove too much, whereas the 



2l8 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



body and blood, &c., are said to be in the wafer already; it would be useless 
to repeat it.' 

On Mr. Ouseley's return to Dublin, the Rev. Matthew 
Tobias related the following curcumstance to cheer him in his 
missionary toils : — ^ A Roman CathoHc man had heard him and 
Mr. Graham in the streets of Ballyshannon, where they first 
commenced their general mission labours — was deeply con- 
vinced of sin, but strove by every method to resist the im- 
pressions, and quench the spirit's operations. At length he 
entered the army, and fought in the battle of Waterloo. 
Multitudes were falling on every side. All his former convic- 
tions returned with tenfold force, and fearing he might be the 
next called off, and remembering some of the expressions made 
use of in the sermons and prayers of the missionaries twenty 
years before, he began to plead with God for mercy, and asked 
Him for the sake of Christ to forgive his sins. On the spot, 
and in the midst of shot and shell, he found peace. He 
escaped unhurt, returned to Dubhn, and was then walking in 
the ways of the Lord.' 

hope,' says Mr. Ouseley, ^this will be the case with mul- 
titudes, who are deterred from making an open avowal of what 
they believe.' 

Perhaps it was so with Obadiah in the court of Ahab, and 
'those of Csesar's household' of whom St. Paul speaks. 
Mr. Graham writes the following letter to his son: — 

' Newtownbarry, Nov. 2md, 1821. 
^ My dear Charles, — My strength and sight are failing, although I have 
cause to bless God that I have not been labouring in vain, nor spending 
my strength for nought." The people seem to love me as much as ever, 
and would be pained to think of my sitting down. I am in the hand of 
the Lord. He knows what to do with me better than I know myself. But 
'tis likely I must desist from the mission, and whether I shall be equal to a 
circuit, time will tell. I have only to live for the present, and leave the 
rest to the Lord. If I must sit down, I have some thoughts that Dublin 
would be my place. I have been doing a little in the fairs and markets, 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 219 

and meet with no opposition. The Antinoinian ministers used to do all in 
their power to annoy us, by going to some of our preaching places, and 
holding lectures, but the bishop, at the last visitation, has interdicted them, 
and the (Established) Church is now at war with itself. The world will 
soon discover who is right, and who is wrong ; Calvinism was formerly the 
death blow of Methodism wherever it had influence. / have been long 
apprized of their combinatioit against us, a/itd our people are so simple, that 
when they meet with anythijtg like religion in those ( Established Church ) 
ministers, they think there are 7ione such, but tifjie will tell. Truth alone will 
bear the test, and all false systems shall fade away, and come to nought, 
Peace and safety are only found in the way of holiness. I hope you are 
going forward. There are few to help ; many to hinder. 

*Your affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham.' 

During this and the following year (1821-22), the Rev. John 
Feely was appointed to travel with Mr. Ouseley on the general 
mission. I regret that Mr. Ouseley's biographer was not aware 
that this young man was the fruit of Mr. Graham's ministry 
wh-en he was stationed on the Carlow circuit, in the year 18 17. 
Mr. Reilly merely says, at page 239 — ' Mr. John Feely, a 
young man, who had been converted by the Irish missionaries 
from the Romish creed, in which he had been educated.' 
The fact was, Mr. Graham was on a circuit at the time, and first 
met him at the house of a Mr, Large, on the Carlow circuit, 
where he was employed as a tutor in the family. He ventured 
to hear Mr. Graham preach, and the results were several con- 
versations, or rather stern controversies, on the disputed tenets 
between the Reformed and Romish religion. The ^mter re- 
members Mr. Feely to say, that what decided his mind was, 
the emphatic manner in which Mr. Graham concluded the last 
controversial conversation by quoting so authoritatively Rev. 
xviii. 4, 5, — ^ Come out of her my people, that ye be not 
partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 
For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remem- 
bered her iniquities.' The Spirit of God accompanied this 
passage with such power to the young man's conscience, that 



i 



220 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



he literally trembled, and from that day fonvard never attempted 
to defend his system. He sought the mercy of God, and soon 
found it; and did indeed become, as we have already seen, and 
as the sequel will still further confirm, ^ a burning and a shining 
light' 

Mr. Ouseley speaks of him in terms of high respect and 
affection thus : — 

* He is quite in his element, when he stands or rides in the street to 
address his countr}^men in their own tongue, which he speaks with great 
facihty. And as they learn that he had been of their own Church, they are 

the more eager to hear him .' 

Mr. Feely also speaks of Mr. Ouseley with admiration and 
respect thus : — 

* I found him a man of deep devotedness to God, and, if possible, of still 
greater missionary zeal. As a minister of Christ he was, indeed, instant 
in season and out of season," endeavouring at all times, and by all Christian 
means, to lead sinners to the one, all-sufficient Sa\^our. He often encoun- 
tered things of an unpleasant nature while engaged in open-air work, which 
was almost constant ; and, oh ! how did he labour in prayer both before and 
after these exercises ! Often have I heard him ^^^ep, and agonize, and 
\\Testle with God. In coming into a to"\vn he stood on the most convenient 
spot he could select, and commenced forthwith to sing a hjmm in English 
and Irish. In a short time a goodly number might be seen around him, of 
all creeds, attentively listening to the Word of Life, although sometimes 
one and another would, in turn, mimic or indulge in malice. It is not in 
my power to describe him as a preacher. He clearly expounded the moral 
law in its spirituality, extent, and requirements ; and then the depravit}' of 
the heart as a fountain, sending off seventeen streams of corruption con- 
tinually. (See Gal. v. 19-21). Then the meritorious cause of human sal- 
vation, by the redeeming work of the Lord Jesus ; and then pressed the 
present acceptance of pardon through faith in His blood. He was a great 
enemy to Popery, as a system^ but not to its unhappy subjects. These he 
greatly pitied, but blamed their teachers. 

'John Feely.' 

Mr. Graham wTites to his son early in 1S22, as follows : — 

*Ballycaxew, Jan, 18, 1822. 

* My dear Charees, — Thank God, I have seen another year, and am in 
good health at present, I have an increase of hearers on my mission, and 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



221 



some new places, which are Hkely to do well. I am preaching in the fairs 
and markets as usual, which proves a blessing in stirring up the people, and 
increasing our congregations. I have been violently opposed on the day I 
preached in Enniscorthy market. There was an uproar. They began at 
last to throw whatever came to hand, and resolved to prevent my being 
heard. This was the great market day before Christmas Day. The Mayor 
of the town came forward and put a stop to the confusion, and let me loose 
at them. Many of them stood pale-faced and confounded before I had done. 
On yesterday week I had a real hearing. The Mayor attended, and the 
Protestants were roused by the conduct of the Romanists on the former day. 
I know nothing better calculated to stir up ignorant Protestants, lukewarm 
Methodists, and backsliding sinners, than this outside work. They will not 
come to our houses, but here we find them out. I wonder how my health 
stands under this heavy labour. When Mr. Banks saw the attention of the 
Catholics in the market of Newtownbarry, he said — " That he had no hope 
for years to come to see such results of the mission." I hope the Lord has 
something in store for it. I am never happier than when T deliver my mes- 
sage, and then leaving it with the Lord to give the increase. We had a 
great watch-night in the market-house of Gorey, and I preached in the fair 
next day. John Wilson (I suppose John S. Wilson), a local preacher, 
mounted my horse when 1 had done, and we had (both) a blessed hearing. 
The people were attentive. Perhaps I was never loved or respected so much 
as I am at present. The Lord is good, '*and His mercy endureth for ever." 
Others are being raised up for this warfare when I am no more. I had my 
day, and I am thankful. All glory to God ! my peace abounds. I know 
nothing but peace at present. It may be that my last days shall be my best. 
May the Most High bless and keep you all. Amen. Amen. 

'Charles Graham.* 

Mr. Graham again writes to the secretary of the Missionary 
Society in London : — 

'Newtownbarry, April 20, 1822. 

* My dear Brother,— Although the minds of the people are disaffected, 
and many are alarmed, yet, through all I have an attentive hearing, and 
many are melted into tears under the Word. My health is greatly impaired, 
and I find myself inadequate for the work. Mr. Banks and others think I 
ought to sit down at present ; but if I could struggle on until Conference, I 
would be unwilling to do so. I am in the hands of that wise Being who 
knows what is best to do wdth me, and I leave it all to Him. Through 
waves, and clouds, and storms. He has gently cleared my way." Hitherto 
He has helped me. I feel this an important period of my life — just finishing 



4 



22 2 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GR-\HAM, 

my course, and desisting from that blessed work, wherein He has so long 
supported and kept me from departing from His ways. My heart is fulL 
I could say much, but I forbear. I have a pleasing account to give of my 
mission. The work is deepening and spreading. I met thirt}' in class in 
Newtownbarr}- on last Sabbath morning. It was like the opening of 
heaven. The progress they are making in the Di^'ine life is astonishing. 

One of these was a late convert from Rome, a yomig man named T. B . 

His father enjomed on him, when d}ing, to pay ten shilhngs quarterly to 
get him out of purgatoiy ; but his mother, who was a Protestant, dpng 
shorrl}- af:er. lef: Thomas her Bible, with a dying request to read it. He 
felt as much attached to her and her safet}' as to the father, and brought 
five gumeas to the priest to pray for her also. The priest refused, saying 
''she was hopelessly lost as a heretic; but as he was so anxious, he would 
write to the bishop." He (the bishop) was of the same mind, and poor 
Thomas was in a state of black despair, when some one in^'ited him to com- 
and hear me. He did so, and asked my ad\'ice. I told him by no means 
to give the priest another penny, and pointed him to Christ He sought 
and found, and now rejoices in God exceedingly, as do tvro females, 
formerly Romanists. — Yours, 'Charles Graham. 

' To the Rev. yose/h Taylor. London.^ 

He writes again to the secretan- in London, in three months 
after : — 

' Xewtowxbarry, Jujie 22, 1S22. 
' My dear Brother, — I hope the Lord will give me grace to be 
resigned. I was first chosen by the Conference as a missionar}" to go 
through the kingdom, but I was un%villing to travel alone, and I considered 
Brother Ouseley a fit person to send with me ; and by the blessing of God, 
cur way was opened, and gre:,:-y blessed. The Lord has raised up many 
who are now able and willing to declare the glad tidings to a perishing 
world. Some are leaving the Mas: : others are inquiring how they mav 
make their escape. It is easy with the Lord to open the way. but it 
requires both faith and patience in the preachers. INIay the gi'eat Head of 
the Chm-ch teach us what to do. and how to do it, and take the whole 
matter into His qwti hands, and give the increase. I have been latelv 
endeavouring to open some new places, and although I have not joined 
them in societies, yet I think impressions have been made, which will peld 
fruit hereafter. The field meetings are greatly blessed. Xeither names nor 
forms -^vill do now. Real religion is becoming honourable, and bears down 
all before it. Heaven has greatly blessed us with labourers in this comer 
of His vineyard; and many who were greatly preiudiced now see their mis- 
take, and confess that the power of the Lord is among the Methodists, 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



223 



Some profess and enjoy the blessing of sanctifi cation ; others pressing after 
it. Blessed be the Lord for this Zvlethodism. May it increase in the earth 
with all the increase of God, that all may know Him, from the rising of 
the sun to the gomg down of the same.'* 'Tis a blessing to witness the 
growth in grace of some, and their rapid advance in prapng, exhorting, 
and preaching. ComCj Lord Jesus. Amen; so be it. 

' I remain yours truly, 

' Charles Gr-\ham. 

* Jo the Rev, Joseph Taylor. London.? 

Shortly before the Conference of 1822 he ^Tites to his son, 
thus : — 

^Dear Charles, — It appears my travelling "^^dll be over at the next 
Conference, if spared. Mr. Banks thinks I should sit down at present. 
The last month has been hard on me. K swelling in my legs, a ^dolent 
cough, a lightness in my head, loss of sight, and loss of appetite. ^ly tim^e 
cannot be long. I feel this an important period of my life. The finishing 
of my course and of the ministr}' which the Lord committed to me, and in 
which I had a name and a place so long. Thank God, I have not turned 
aside from the path of dut}- until I can labour no longer. I have been long 
afraid of sitting do^m too soon; but now I am comdnced that I can no 
longer fill up the place of an active man ; and as the Lord is raising up men 
who are willing and able to work, and supply my lack of servicCj why should 
I not submit? Oh, what a mercy that our ministr}- is not faihng, but 
increasing, both in gifts and in grace. A\'e have a number of most blessed 
young men on this mission, and a number of holy men and women who are 
alive to God. Their cups are full and ^lo^^dng over. Among these a young 
man who has fled from the Mass, and for his time is an ornament to reli- 
gion ; and, notwithstanding the danger he is exposed to for ha^dng left the 
Mass at such a time as this, he neither fears priests nor people. There are 
females also belonging to that system, who are striving to make their 
escape, but they are watched by their parents and other friends. I hope 
they may be steady. I am going out to the circuit to-morrow, please the 
Lord, to tr}' how far I can go. The good blaster can yet strengthen me, if 
He has any work for me to do. 

* Your affectionate father, 

*C. Graham.' 



XX. 



* The world is my parish.' — John Wesley. 

'Disciples of Jesus, stand ye here idle? 

Go work in His vineyard to-day : 
The night is approaching, when no man can labour, 
Our Master commands us, and shall we delay ? 

Chorus — The field is the world, the field is the world, 
Look up for the harvest is near ; 
When the reapers from glory will shout as they come, 
And the Lord of the harvest appear. 

Our field is the world, and our work is before us ; 

To each is appointed a message to bear ; 
At home or abroad, in the cottage or palace, 

Wherever directed our mission is there. 
Choriis — The field is the world, &c. 

Perhaps we are called from the highways and hedges, 

To gather the lowly, despised, and oppressed ; 
If this be our dut}-, then why should we falter ? 
We'll do it and tiiist to our Saviour the rest. 
Cho7'us — The field is the world, &c. 

Instead of the thorn shall the mptle be planted, 

The desert shall blossom and bloom as the rose. 
The palm tree rejoicing shall spread forth her branches, 

The lamb and the lion together repose. 
Chorus — The field is the world,' &c. 



CHAPTER XX. 



PREPARATION FOR ETERNITY. 

Fifth appointment to Wexford. — Letter to his son. — Letter to 

MISSIONARY secretary IN LONDON IN 1 822. — AlSO ONE IN 
BEGINNING OF 1823. — ANOTHER TO HIS SON. 

T this Conference, July 1822, Mr. Graham was 
appointed the second year to *the County Wex- 
ford Mission,' and v/rote the following letter to 
his son within one day of the seventy-second year of his 
age :— 

' Newtownbarry, Atcgust igth, 1822. 
* Dear Charles, — I was brought very low since I returned from Dublin. 
I had to return from the mission very unwell, and spent eight days at hom.e, 
after which I set out to meet Messrs. Ouseley and Feely in the market of 
Gorey. As they were late in coming, I took to the saddle and faced the 
crowd, and then a local preacher held forth. But before he had done, the 
men whom we expected came up, and you would imagine that there was 
scarcely a particle of antichristian superstition but was exposed and swept 
away for ever. The field meetings were astonishing. The Lord is paying 
those two men well for their labour of love. We had a great breaking 
down. The places are well watered. You would wonder to see so many 
Protestants in a country place as we had at the field meeting. The Lord be 
praised, Methodism is likely to drive all before it. We have had those good 
men two days. I feel no desire at present to desist from the blessed work 
of warning sinners "to flee from the wrath to come." 'Tis worth living 
for this." May the Lord ever save me from growing weary or faint in my 
mind. There is nothing I dread more than that lukewarmness, which the 

P 




226 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



Lord so much abhors. I feel grateful to my Saviour for what He has done 
and is doing. The people are blessedly alive. Some are joining our classes 
and some getting converted. Oh, what a mercy that any are making their 
escape fromx the world and the devil. " The kingdom of heaven suffereth 
violence, and the violent take it by force." Therefore strive for as much 
religion as will make you happy. I am joined by :\Ir. Feely in love to you 
and all the family. 

' Your affectionate father, 

'Charles Graham.' 

He pyrites to the mission secretary in London early in 1823, 
in the follovring terms : — 

' Newtownbarry, Jan. i^th, 1823. 
'My dear Brother, — I have lately enjoyed a good degree of health, 
and was enabled to take the streets. Although every effort is made tcv 
prevent the Catholics from hearing, yet they do heai^, and I believe feel the 
truth of what is declared. And although the seed m^ay appear for som.e 
time to be under the clods, it will spring forth and bear fruit at last. On 
last Christmas morning, a dispute arose between the priest and one of hii^ 
parishioners, which led the priest to attempt to strike him, and would l:kave 
done so, only diat another prevented him.. The priest then turned his A^estments 
to curse this man, and opened a book to close it on him, when another came 
and swept the book out of his hand, and a scuffle ensued. It appears the 
secret was that the man whom the priest struck keeps a Bible. The priest 
had to beg pardon from this man, to his great mortification, but the other 
declared he would never hear him again. This priest told another man to 
bum a Testament he obtained from a friend. The Bible is opening the 
eves of the people, and I am resolved they shall hear in the streets. Crowds 
are hearing now. Tears flow apace. The power of God is falling on them. 
Errors are exposed, truth enforced, and none daring to contradict now. 
Many say it was in the street they were convinced of their lost condition. 
Oh, why have we not m^ore street preaching. Oh, let us give them — both 
Romans and careless Protestants who will not come to our houses — warning- 
from, the Lord, whether they will hear or forbear. I hear six priests have 
left the ]Mass. I wonder why the Lord has kept me so long in this countr\\ 
The end will be glorious. The prospect is good. Lord help me to finish 
my course welL 

' I am yours afiectionately, 

'Charles Graham. 

' To the Rev. yoseph Taylor, Londoji. ' 



The next letter to his son is also dated at the opening of the 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



227 



year 1823, and contrasts with his state of health when he wrote 
to Mr. Taylor: — 

^ Jan. 3 1 J-/. 1823. 

'My dear Charles, — I am unwell at present, and it is high time to 
attend to that admonition, "Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and 
not live." My time must be short. Thank God, I have lived so long. 
During the latter part of the past year and the beginning of the present, my 
soul has been happier thajt iisital. I sometimes thought the Lord was pre- 
paring me for a better world. Oh, that I may be ready. This should engross 
my attention above all things else, for no past experience, no matter how 
precious, would do for the present. But I bless God, He makes me happy, 
especially in the path of duty. The weary body would say, 'tis time to 
give up ; but the Lord knows what is good for me, and I hope He will 
give me strength for my day. I am leaving home to-morrow, please the 
Lord, as I am well. I expect to be home next week. Write during that 
time if you have anything of interest to communicate. After that I shall 
have the full round of my circuit or mission to take, which will take me 
nearly three weeks. May the good Lord guide and bless you and family is 
the prayer of your affectionate father. 

* Charles Graham. ' 

In this letter he refers, no doubt, to the rich baptism of the 
Spirit to which the Rev. R. Huston alludes in his Life of the Rev, 
Fossey Tackaberry, thus: — 'When Mr. Graham was on the 
Newtownbarry mission, and at the close of his career, Mrs. 
Morris, sen., of Ballycanew, at whose house he was wont to 
make a monthly pastoral visit, mentioned to me, that the last 
time he called, there was such an extraordinary power and 
unction in his prayer, she inquired — ''Mr. Graham, is your soul 
nearer to God than usual ?" " Oh, yes," he benignantly repHed, 
"much nearer." ' 

This venerable Christian lady still lives; she went to America 
some years ago, and has lately returned. The writer heard 
her pray a few days since in Ballycanew. Oh, such access to 
the throne of grace ! It might be well said of herself now, 
that ' her soul is much nearer to God than usual.' She is like 
another Anna — 'a widow of four score and four years,' and 



228 



THE LIFE OE THE RETV. C GRAHAM. 



like Tier also, ' senses God with fastings and prayers night and 
day:' and as well 'speaks to all zz. ::\ r.e'^::: rurh : : i 
of Ballycanew) who look for re:le:..: : r. ; i^, i 

glorious re\dval of God's hallowed v.-::k. s :.s she :::,5 seen 
in America. Nor is her devoted son less to be admired for 
his filial attachment, and for the interest he takes in Zion's 
prosperity. 




XXL 



' But go thou thy way till the end be, for thou shalt rest, and stand in 
thy lot at the end of the days. — Daniel xii. 13. 

THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER'S DISMISSAL FROM THE FIELD OF CONFLICT, 

'Soldier, rise — the war is done; 

Lo ! the hosts of hell are flpng : 
'Twas thy Lord the battle won ; 

Jesus conquered them by d}-ing. 
Pass the stream — before thee lies 

All the conquered land of glory ; 
Hark ! what songs of rapture rise, 

These proclaim the victors story. 
Soldier, lay thy weapons do^vn. 
Quit the sword, and take the crown ; 
Triumph ! all thy foes are banished ; 
Death is slain, and earth has vanished.' 

' Behold a patriarch of years, who leaneth on the staff of religion ; 
His heart is fresh — quick to feel — a burning fount of generosity ; 
Lofty aspirations, deep affections, holy hopes, are his delight. 
Passionate thirst for gain never hath burned within his bosom ; 
The leaden chains of that dull lust have not bound him prisoner. 
The shrewd world laughed at him for honest}- — the vain world mouthed 

at him for honour ; 
The false world hated him for truth — the cold world despised him for 

affection. 

Still he kept his treasure — the warm and noble heart.' 

Proverbial Philosophy. 



CHAPTER XXL 



JOURNALS — GREAT OPPOSITION. 

Mr. Graham's last appointment. — King's County. —Athlone. — 
Leaves County Wexford. — Great grief. — Letter to Rev. 
Mr. Taylor of London. — Letter from Athlone to his son. — 
Concern of a Roman Catholic young man. — Illness. — Sym- 
pathetic LETTER FOM ReV. G. OuSELEY. — EXTRACT OF Mr. 

Graham's third last letter to his son. — Second last letter. 
— Also, the last, and very interesting. 




T the Conference of July, 1823 — his last — Mr. Graham 
was appointed to ^ the King's County and County 
Westmeath mission,' and to reside in Athlone, where 
he had his wish gratified, namely, ' a quiet place and a short 
time to prepare for flight' How he parted with his dear 
friends and his spiritual children, we may judge from the 
following extract from Huston's Zi/e of Tackaberry. 

' He was held in the highest veneration and esteem by those 
among whom he laboured ; and his parting from them bore an 
almost literal resemblance to that of Paul from the Ephesian 
elders. ^' And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck and 
kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, 
that they should see his face no more.'" And this was literally 
true of Mr. Graham; but many of them have seen him since 
in that spirit land where friends in Christ shall part no more. 

To the missionary secretaries he mites himself after this 
fashion : — 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



231 



^ ExxiscoPvTHY, July, 1823. 

'My dear Brother, — There are now eighty members on this mission in 
two years. Some convinced of sin, somic converted, and a few who profess 
sanctifying grace. In some places we have no class meeting for want of 
leaders or praying members ; but there is every prospect that the Lord will 
raise up those who will assist in this way. There are three local preachers, 
zealous and useful ; and three who can exhort, and pray, and hold meet- 
ings ; and two in another class. One of the local preachers had been a 
Catholic, I trust the seed scattered will bring forth fruit to the glory of 
God. One of our members, a converted Roman Catholic, told me there 
were forty in the country ready to break off. They only want a little 
courage to meet persecution. Perhaps the time is at hand. The markets 
and fairs are open on that circuit to any Avho possess strength and courage 
to attend them. They are in ever)^ direction well acquainted with hearing 
for five years past. I have warned them publicly in fairs, and markets, and 
fields, at the risk of health and eveiy thing that was dear or sacred to me. 
For I may say, though in a limited sense, " I did not count my life dear 
unto me," if His great name should be glorified, and the souls for whom 
He shed His precious blood finally saved. !May the ^^dost High water the 
seed, and cause it bring fruit abundantly, to the glory of His adorable nam^e. 
— Amen. 

'Charles Graham. 

' To the Rev. fosepji Taylor, Londo7i.^ 

With these sentiments he closed his five years' mission 
. labours in the county of Wexford. 

The following letter is the first from Athlone to his son : — 

'Athloxe, October "-p, 1823. 

'My dear Charles, — This day I feel a little better, thank God; and 
I hope, if spared, to go to my circuit to-morrow. ^.Ir. Banks has been 
ver}" ill, and I hear Mr. Steele is not well. We, old preachers, must expect 
shortly to be removed, so as to make room for others to take the field. 
May the good Lord help us to finish our course well, and may He send 
more faithful labourers to enter the list. We had the Rev. Valentine Ward 
here, who gave great satisfaction to all who heard him, I hope our cause 
will get on well in this town and country. I have been preaching a good 
deal of Irish in some of my places. There is a Roman Catholic young 
man who hears me. He has bought a Bible, and now doubts the Popish 
doctrines. If he were converted, we would have hope of him, as he is a 
young man of abilities. It is not easy for any one of that church in such 



232 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

times as these, to make their escape. Perhaps the Lord is giving them the 
length of their chain ; and may shortly stop them. The army seems much 
on the alert. All these things call upon us all to be ready, for, ' ' in the 
midst of life we are in death." But we are in His hand, who hath the sole 
control, and who can say to all His enemies, "hitherto shall thou come, 
and no further." May our confidence be such that we " may not fear what 
man can do unto us." — Your affectionate father, 

* Charles Graham.' 

The following sympathetic letter, of nearly the same date, is 
from the well-known pen of Mr. Graham's dear friend and com- 
panion for many years 'in the kingdom and patience of Jesus,' 
the Rev. G. Ouseley : — 

* 21 Great Ship Street, Dublin, Nov, 8, 1823. 

* My much esteemed and greatly beloved brother Graham, — 
By a letter from brother Reilly, which Mr. Ward received yesterday, I learn, 
with no small concern, that you are so unwell, that it is not advisable for you 
to travel until your strength shall return. If it please God, it shall return- 
Be satisfied ; it is all of God. Take a little rest for the remainder of your 
time. It is singular I was telling Mr. Ward (the Rev. V. Ward, Superin- 
tendent of Missions) of your illness before Mr. Reilly' s letter arrived. I 
dreamed a few nights ago that a number of the preachers were together, and 
some unusual ordination was about to take place. I thought you were the 
person first to be ordained, and that I was fixed on to pronounce your cha- 
racter. I spoke aloud, and said — Brother Graham's character is, that he 
did always promptly, and with all his might, everything he conceived right 
to be done to promote the glory of God, and the good of the cause he was 
engaged in ; this ye all know." Methought the Divine power and blessing 
fell upon us all, and that a shower of tears of gratitude and love burst forth 
from your eyes and mine, and from the eyes of all. Giving glory to God, I 
awoke, and my soul was very happy. Yes, Charles, my good brother, as 
we have seen many happy and prosperous days together, and many times 
were thus refreshed together of God, so that we were ''filled with joy un- 
speakable, and very full of glory," which, when I now think on, my eyes 
begin to overflow. I have a hope that, after a little, a short time indeed, 
we shall meet in the everlasting joy, in the presence of our ever blessed 
Lord, in our Father's house above, never more to be severed again. Be of 
good comfort, my brother ; wait with joy your appointed time. How de- 
lightful is that saying, ''The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us 
from all sin,^^ God upbraideth not. "I will never leave thee; I will 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



never forsake thee." Give my love to good brother Dowd and his family. 
He flinched not in the day of rebuke. My Harriett, who loves you much, 
and looks to be with us for ever after a little, joins me in affectionate regards 
to you, sister Graham, and Ann. Your ever affectionate brother in Christ, 

* Gideon Ouseley.' 

P.S. — We have a prospect of a blessed work on our mission (Meath). 
Thank God, my health continues as good as when I was a boy. 

The following short extract is from the third last ktter which 
Mr. Graham wrote. It is dated — 

^Athlone, Dec. 3, 1823. 

* My dear Charles, — It pleases me before I go hence, that the Lord 
has put into my power to be of any use to my family. They have been long 
the subjects of my prayers, and I hope He has, in some measure, answered 
me. How soon I may have done with prayer I know not, but the Lord 
affords me much time for that duty. I get but little rest at night, about 
three hours, when the pain returns, and continues until morning. The 
weary wheels at last stand still, except what little I do in the old preaching 
house. The good Lord sent me a man to take my place, and to travel the 
mission, just at the nick of time. He is well liked. I hope the Lord will 
make him a blessing. Let us watch and pray, for the time is hastening 
when you will be as I am now ; and how awful would it be for me to come 
to the borders of the grave, and have no prayer answered. The Lord be 
praised, He gives me comfort in my affliction. I can cast myself and all 
my concerns upon Him. God grant this may be the best year we have ever 
spent if preserved. Amen. 

^C. Gr-\ham.' 

The following is from the second last letter to his son : — 

* My dear Charles, — The Lord may have something still for me to do. 
Although I cannot put my foot out of doors, I can pray for the people who 
have been committed to my care, and direct him who is labouring in my 
place. And blessed be the Lord, the work is prospering. There is a good 
appearance. " 'Tis not by might, but my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.'' 
He gives, and who can stay His hand ? How few have faith in prayer ; 
therefore, instead of making " their requests known to God," they strive to 
live independent of Him. But some will say we are not worthy to be heard, 
as we are sinners ; but let this cursed cause be removed, and then the effect 
will cease. Let every one cut off the right hand sin, and pluck out the right 
eye sin, and give themselves sincerely and unreservedly to seek and serve the 
Lord ; and we have His word for it — " Prove me now herewith, saith tlie 



234 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out 
a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Let these 
words leave a lasting impression on your mind. You may hear from me 
again before I go hence, and be no more ; but there is nothing certain, for 
if you knew what I pass through, you would wonder I am alive this da}-. 
Mother joins me in love to you and all the family. — I am your affectionate 
Father, 

' Charles Graham.' 

The above obsen^ations on prayer are worthy the last days 
of such a man, whose whole religious life \vas a life of prayer. 
To this vv'e may attribute the great success of his ministry. 
How true are i\Iiss Lutton's beautiful lines — 

' "When torn is the bosom with sorrow or care. 
Be it ever so simple, there's nothing like prayer ; 

It seizes, soothes, softens, subdues, yet sustains ; 
Gives vigour to hope, and puts passion in chains. 
Prayer ! prayer I sweet, sweet prayer ; 
Be it ever so simple, there 's nothing like prayer.' 

We novv' come to the last letter which this venerable servant of 
the Lord wTote, but wTote vath a tremulous hand, and just 
waiting until his change came. And oh ! wdiat a scene follow^s — 

* Athlone, April 2, 1824. 
' My dear Charles, — I am advised by my family to send for you to 
come do\\Ti as soon as possible, for I may say with the patriarch, ' ' I knovr 
not the day of my death." The Lord has spared me to a good old age, but 
from my great weakness, and my want of rest and appetite, it is not pos- 
sible that I can hold out much longer. I will not say what the Lord can 
do. I did not expect to see this time ; but He knows whfit is best, and 
what He is doing, therefore all I want is to vrait His time. !My affairs are 
mostly settled. Perhaps there will be something due at the Conference, 
after my debts and funeral expenses are paid, which may be of use to some- 
body. The will is ready to be signed. I can say little more, but expect to 
see you shortly. My strength is failing, or I would say more. Farewell, 
my dear children. May that God who blessed me and kept me, bless and 
keep you all for ever, is the prayer of your ever affectionate Father, 

'Charles Graham.' 

After this the hand forgot its cunning, and the J>e?i the readiness 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 2^5 

of the ready \mter. ' The keepers of the house (hands) trem- 
bled, and the strong men (legs) bowed themselves/ and only 
a short time was now to elapse until this venerable patriarch 
gathered up his feet to die ; and nobly was he enabled to 
meet the final foe, proving that he could realize the truth of 
what he long preached, ' For so an entrance shall be ministered 
unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ ' (2 Peter i. 11). 



XXII. 



* Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man 
peace.' — Psalm xxxvii. 37. 

* THE believer's TRIUMPHANT END. 

* Of life's past toils, the fading trace 
Hath given that aged patriarch's face 
Expression holy, deep, resigned ; 
The calm sublimity of mind. 
Years o'er his snowy head have past. 
And left him of his race the last ; 
Alone on earth, but yet his mien 
Is bright with majesty divine. 
And those high hopes, whose guiding star 
Shines from eternal worlds afar. 
Have with that light illumed his eye, 
Whose fount is immortality ; 
And o'er his features poured a ray 
Of glory, not to pass away — 
One to sublimer worlds allied, 
One from all passions purified — 
Even now, half mingled with the sky, 
And all prepared — oh, not to die, 
But, like the prophet, to aspire 
To heaven's triumphal car of fire !' 

Hemans. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



SICKNESS AND DEATH DESCRIBED. 

Mr. Pilch.— Assists Mr. Graham, — His visits.— Work on the 
MISSION. — Mr. Graham rejoices in his prosperity. — Visit of 
Rev. John Feely. — Great delight. — Prays with the congre- 
gation. — Conversion of a Roman Catholic near Gillan. — 
Visit of his son. — Triumphant death. 

HE following sketch of his last illness and death 
was written by Mr. Pilch, the assistant, to whom 
Mr. Graham referred as having supplied his place 
on the circuit, and who was made so useful. He afterwards 
removed from this country to New York, where he occupied a 
very useful ministerial position, and died some years ago, 
happy in the Lord. He has met his companion and friend : — 
'December 4, 1823. — On my arrival in Athlone, Mr. Graham^ 
came in from Firbane scarcely able to ride. I wondered at 
seeing him so reduced, and concluded he had done with the 
labours of the harvest field.' 

Here we see a remarkably special providence. This friend 
was on his way to take charge of one of our mission schools at 
Firbane, and had just arrived in time to meet the emergency 
of Mr. Graham's illness. He was advanced in life, but 
talented, and very acceptable. Mr. Graham asked him to 
take his place, saying, * If you don't go I will go myself, if I 
^should fall in the ditch in the attempt' 

' I saw,' continues Mr. Pilch, ' that he could not attempt it 




238 



THE TJFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



again, but such was his love for souls, and his unflinching 
regard for regularity in being at his places to the very last, that 
nothing but absolute incapability could prevent him from setting 
out. Mr. Graham concluded the interview by saying, I had 
a heaven on earth while engaged in the blessed work, and I 
never had it nearer my heart than now." He always wept with 
joy when I told him of any conversion, and he lived in the old 
rooms connected with the preaching-house in Athlone. He 
would, when able, lean over the bannisters of the stairs and pray 
at the conclusion of the service, but his strength soon failed, 
and he had to decline even this slight service. When speaking 
of death he only smiled at the thought of soon getting away, 
but not impatient to be off. He was perfectly resigned to the 
will of God, and said, ''I have not a doubt of joining the blood- 
besprinkled band, and I have that assurance now for fifty years, 
and I could not now be deceived. I neither fear the devil nor 
his blood-men, nor all the powers of darkness ; Christ is my 
stronghold, and I defy their hellish rage ; I had many conflicts 
with the enemy, but now the victory is won, I could not but 
be happy." ' 

Fi'iday^ Febi'iunj 26, 1824. — I was surprised,' says Mr. 
Pilch, ' to see the change which had taken place in one week. 
He said to me, "I am going home fast, and I will never leave 
this bed-chamber until carried out." On the next morning I 
called and found him asleep, but he awoke in about an hour, 
and smiled as if on the wing for flight. He was all praise. I 
asked him how he was. He said, ^' I am the same in body, 
but happy in my soul." The tears ran copiously do\\m his 
weather-beaten cheeks, while he was exclaiming, Precious 
Saviour, loving Saviour, praise the Lord, O my soul, and all 
that is within me bless his holy name." When I prayed, it 
appeared as if heaven was let down into our midst. This was 
glory begun.' 

' Sabbath^ 28. — We held our Love Feast in the chapel, after 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



vrhich several of the frierxds visited hinij to their unspeakable 
joy.' 

' Tuesday^ March i. — I called and asked him " how he felt" 
He merely said, ''breathing;" but immediateh' asked ''How is 
the Lord's work going on?" I told him of a Roman Cathohc 
family who had renounced the errors of Poper}-. He smiled 
and said, " ]\Iany times I have both warned and wept over 
them, but it is not easy to get disentangled from that yoke." 
It appears he was instrumental in convincing this family of 
the errors of Popery before his last illness, as if God would 
crown his last public effort with another rich trophy from 
that dark system, for the destruction of which he spent his 
hfe !' 

' March 3. — His son arrived from Dublin, which was a 
source of much comfort, for he greatly loved him. ^Ir. 
Graham then took me by the hand, and, ^^ith his eyes heaven- 
ward, prayed forme, and then said, "All is well ; I am delivered 
from the sin of doubting. After preaching the Gospel to others 
for fifty years, how could I doubt ? Jesus is mine and I am 
His." I said, "You seem to be happier than you were a few 
days ago." . He said, "I was so tortured with acute pain that 
I could not converse much, but I have not followed a cunningly 
devised fable." I said, "The brethren above will be glad to see 
you, and welcome you home." " O, yes," said he, and wept 
We were all melted into love. I left him on the 5th of March, 
and did not expect to see him again, so Mr. Lemaistre and I 
prayed with and for him. I heard Mr. Feely came to see him, 
and that it was a rich season, and a time of mutual blessing, 
and even of rejoicing. They partook of the Lord's Supper 
before he left, which was a source of unspeakable satisfaction 
to Mr. Graham, as Mr. Feely was his own loved son in the 
Gospel, as already recorded. Their parting was truly aftecting 
Again we see the kind providence of God in placing Mr. Feely 
in a station which made it convenient to visit his spiritual 



240 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



father on his death-bed. They have long since met to part no 
more for ever.' 

^ March 13.— I returned to-day, and found my venerable 
friend still lingering on the shore, but ready to launch away, 

* ' Nearer the bound of life, 

Where we lay our burden down ; 
Nearer leaving the cross ; 
Nearer wearing the crown." ' 

' March 14. — Found him still very happy in God, but patiently 
awaiting the will of the Lord.' 

'March 15. — Found him scarcely able to breathe.' 

'March 16. — Found him cheerful and without pain. He 
said, "When I was going round my mission before my last 
illness, my soul was, at some times, so happy, and so filled with 
the love of God, that I could scarcely refrain from crying aloud, 
and shouting the praises of the Lord ; and since my affliction 
my joy has been beyond expectation." ' 

'March 18. — Found Mr. Graham, to all appearancCj^'on the 
brink of eternity; his eye quite sunk He could only speak in a 
whisper. He gently and humorously said, " It takes a great 
deal of affliction to kill an old man referring to the agony 
he endured all night with a racking cough. But how soon a 
reverse, even for the better, came. Found him yesterday 
evening quite cheerful, he conversed about the work of God, 
and about the time he went to travel, and about his being 
nearly upset by erroneous teaching, but said he, " The Lord 
delivered me." He spoke of Fletcher and Benson, and of their 
interview with Lady Huntingdon, and of their fidelity on be- 
half of the truth. This conversation was too much for him, but 
he rallied again and again, and even after this sat up in his 
chair.' 

'Sabbath^ March 29. — ^Visited my aged friend to-day, and, oh ! 
how sweetly did he speak about the beauty of the Sabbath, and 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



241 



about the day when all shall be brought home to enjoy an 
eternal Sabbath around the throne above. He was very happy, 
but next day worse, still rejoicing. My next visit found him 
much composed. We conversed about the establishment of 
Wesley an day-schools. He rejoiced that the teachers would 
be like so many missionaries. He next referred to Satan's 
temptations, that he thought to tempt him to doubt his accep- 
tance, '^but," said he, ''he was discomfited, and should be so, 
for the Lord filled my whole soul with love divine. The endu- 
rance was hard for a time, but I considered Christ as enduring 
such.'" 

^ April 6, Sabbath. — Found him in some heaviness through 
manifold temptations (bodily afflictions), but he said, " Though 
He slay me, yet will I trust Him. I had long contemplated 
death, but never thought it was so difficult to get through it j it 
is a great mercy that these afflictions cannot follow beyond the 
gate of death. It is now nearly over ; it is too sharp to tarry." 
Some good brother alluded to God's unchangeable fidelity, and 
that He would never leave or forsake him. Immediately Mr. 
Graham broke out in faltering notes — 

** The voyage of life's at an end, 
The mortal affliction is past ; 
The age that in heaven they spend, 
For ever and ever shall last." ' 

'Sabbath, April 13. — On yesterday he gave me directions 
about the mission, and committed me and all to God in prayer. 
This day he said, "I hope soon to be out of the reach of the 
spoiler; I can rejoice with joy unspeakable." ' 

In this happy and triumphant state of mind he continued 
to the last, but sometimes unconscious : v\^hether in the body 
or out of the body, he knew not. He had passed through 
what Pope calls ^the pain,' and was now entering on ' the bliss 
of dying.' Fond nature had almost ^ ceased its strife,' and 
he was about to ^languish into life.' Already he could sing — 

Q 



242 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



* Lend, lend your wingfs ; I mount, I rly. 
O grave ! where is thy victoxy ? 
O death ! where is thy sting ? ' 

In this rapturous state he continued for eight days, sometimes 
unconscious of ever)'thing around him. Like Bunyan's Pilgrim, 
he was in the land of Beulah, and on the ' Delectable Moun- 
tains ' — 'viewing the landscape o'er.' Nothing but 'Jordan's 
stream ' rolled between. On the 23rd of April the final scene 
arrived, and, to the astonishment of all around him, he broke 
forth into the most tlirilling strains of praise. The room 
seemed filled with a flood of light and glory, and it is even said 
that sounds seraphic were heard by his wife and daughter, as 
if a convoy of angels were in waiting — 'the chariots of Israel, 
and horsemen thereof — to convey his happy and sanctified 
spirit 'to the realms of the blest' the moment the weary wheels 
of life stood still ; reminding us of Mrs. Hemans's description 
of the patriarchal and beatified end of the venerable and pious 
dead. We have placed it at the front of this chapter, page 236, 
The following lines seem also very appropriate : — 

' How calm his exit ! 
Night dews fall not more gently to the ground. 
Nor wear}-, worn out vdnds expire so soft. 
Behold him in the evening tide of life — 
A life well spent, whose early care it was. 
His riper years should not upbraid his green. 
By unperceived degi-ees he wears away, 
A'et, like the sun, seems larger at the setting.' 

The writer should here state that his eyes beheld that placid 
countenance in death. It indicated all the appearance of one 
anticipating, and even almost participating, the glory which its 
spirit companion had already realized. It was truly 'the lovely 
appearance of death,' if ever that expression could be justified. 

The description of Mr. Graham's happy death brings to our 
recollection the account w^hich records the death-bed scenes cf 
the Rev. Messrs. Mather and Pawson, Wesleyan ministers qf 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



243 



England, as almost similar. Of Mather it is said he exclaimed, 
in his last momxcnts, ^ Why did you call me back ? I have been 
in paradise as surely as I shall go there again. I have been in 
heaven this morning. I long to be gone. Oh, proclaim Jesus. 
Glory to God and the Lamb. Amen. Amen. Amen.' Of 
Pawson it is said he cried out, ^ Oh, bring near the joyful hour ! 
I think I'll get the start of you,' said he to an old friend, ^ and 
show you the way to the regions of bliss and immortal glory, 
I am dying, but my death-bed is a bed of roses. I have no 
thorns in my dying pillow. Heaven already is begun. Ever- 
lasting life is won, is won, is won : my God, my God, my God.' 

It also reminds us of the death-bed scene of Dr. Payson, of 
America, who died in 1827, three years after Mr. Graham. 
On being asked, ' Are your views of heaven clearer and brighter 
than ever before?' he said, ^Vvhy, for a few moments I may 
have had as bright, but formerly my joys were tumultuous; 
now all is calm and peacefuV In a letter which he dictated to 
his sister, he says : — ' Were I to adopt the figurative language 
of Bunyan, I might date from the land of Beulah, of which I 
have been for some weeks an inhabitant. The celestial city is 
full in my view. Its glories beam upon me. Its breezes fan 
me. Its odours are wafted to me. Its sounds strike upon my 
ears, and its spirit is breathed into my heart. Nothing sepa- 
rates me from it but the river of death, which now appears but 
as an insignificant rill, that may be crossed at a single step, 
whenever God shall give permission.' 

But it is not only to the death-bed, but to the battle-field of 
hfe to which we must principally look. A celebrated minister 
once visited an humble member of his congregation, and found 
him at work as a tanner. He gave him a pleasant tap on the 
shoulder. The good man started, and, looking behind him, 
exclaimed, *Sir, I am ashamed that you should find me thus 
employed.' ^ Let Christ, when He cometh,' said the minister, 
' find me so doing,' ' What !' said the good man, ' doing thus 



^44 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



' Yes/ said the minister, ' faithfully performing the duties of my 
calling.' 

* Herein/ says John, ^is our love made perfect, that we may 
have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so 
are we in this world.' Yes, the believer's growing conformity 
to his Maker's image imparts a ' boldness ' which naturally 
springs from the assurance that he has passed from death unto 
life. It was this led General Havelock to say to Sir James 
Outram, ^ For more than forty years I have so ruled my life, 
that when death should come, I might face it without fear.' 
This was in no spirit of pride or of self-confidence. John 
Wesley's definition of humiHty was, ' To think the truth con- 
cerning one's-self Caleb did not boast although he said, 'I 
wholly followed the Lord my God.' It was so with Havelock, 
the Christian warrior, when about to 

* Rest from the two -fold strife — 
The battle-field of India and the battle-field of life.' 



XXIII. 



* I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the 
faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.' — 
2 Tim. iv. 8, 9. 

* Servant of God, well done ! 

Rest from thy loved employ ; 
The battle fought, the victory won, 
Enter thy Master's joy. 

The voice at midnight came, 

He started up to hear ; 
A mortal arrow pierced his frame ; 

He fell, but felt no fear. 

Tranquil amidst alarms, 

It found him on the field, 
A veteran slumbering on his arms, 

Beneath his red- cross shield. 

His sword was in his hand, 

Still warm with recent fight, 
Ready that moment, at command. 

Through rock and steel to smite. 

It was a two-edged blade, 

Of heavenly temper keen ; 
And double were the wounds it made. 

Whene'er it glanced between. 

'Twas death to sin; 'twas life 

To all who mourned for sin : 
It kindled and it silenced strife — 

Made war and peace within.' 



CHAPTER XXIIL 



CHARACTER OF MR. GRAHAM. 

Observations on Mr. Graham's death by the author. — His minis- 
terial APPOINTMENTS. — CONFERENCE CHARACTER. — OBSERVA- 
TIONS BY HIS SON Charles. — By Rev. Wm. Ferguson. — Mr. 
Ferguson's Epitaph in Stephen's Green Wesleyan Chapel 
SUITABLE. — Letter from Mr. Ouseley to Mr. Lanktree on 
Mr. Graham's death. — Mr. Lanktree's character in part, 
in note. — Rev. R. Huston's character of Mr. Graham. — 
Preachers born in Connaught. — Mr. Punshon's lines in 
note. — Rev. Richard Tracey on Mr. Graham. — Rev. John 
Byrne on same and his poem. 

UR venerable father in Christ is now gone ; not lost, 
but only gone a little before, to be 'for ever with the 
Lord' whom he loved so long and loved so well on 
earth. He will be had in everlasting remembrance. His name 
is still embalmed in the memory of many who linger behind, and 
who will be his increased crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord 
Jesus. The writer saw his remains in Athlone forty-four years 
ago, and his prayer then was, and still is, that his mantle and 
a double portion of his spirit might fall upon him. 

* Oh, may we in his footsteps tread, and follow him to heaven. ' 

His death was more like a translation than a dissolution. 
Like Payson, of America, he 'swam in a sea of glor}^, long 
before he plunged into the Godhead's deepest sea.' The 
secret of his unbounded labours and usefulness, as well as of 




THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. • :^4J 

his persevering stability to the end, may be attributed, next to 
Divine influence, to the genuine character of that ^ faith which 
v/orks by love, and purifies the heart' This was the vital 
current which flowed continually through the moral system. 
It was not a sentiment ; it was Christian principle. It entered 
into all the sanctifying duties of his life, both towards God and 
man. Hence the stability of his zeal, the magnitude of his 
labours, and the unbounded character of his usefulness. He 
had, no doubt, his infirmities, and he may have had faults too ; 
but if he had the latter, I never heard of them. There may 
appear to some that there was an unjustifiable roughness of 
manner in his earlier days ; but we might as well blame John 
the Baptist or Martin Luther for calling things by their right 
names, as to blame Charles Graham. If he employed rough 
implements, it was because he had rough work to do. 

The Rev. John Hartley, in speaking of John the Baptist, 
says : — * His words were often as rough as his garments, and 
piercing as barbed arrows ; but such will be borne, when spoken 
by thorough and consistent men, and spoken in real love. His 
preaching stirred like a clarion, and woke many an echo in the 
depths of men's hearts and consciences ; still eager thousands 
hung upon his lips.' So it was with Graham. It is said, that 
in the latter years of his life a peculiar sweetness and amiabilit^^ 
of disposition was manifest to all ; still he blended the ^son of 
thunder' and the ^son of consolation' into hallowed combination. 
If the writer was requested to write his epitaph he would select 
that on Sir Christopher Wren's monument at Saint Paul's in 
London. It is this — 

' Si qu^ris monumentum 
circumspice.' 

' If you inquire for his monument, look around ;' and if he was 
called on to throw Mr. Graham's character into suitable lines of 
poetry, he would select those written by Cowper on Whitfield. 
They are as follow, and almost to life : — 



248 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



^ He loved the world that hated him, the tear 
That fell upon his Bible was sincere ; 
Assailed by scandal and the tongue of strife, 
His only answer was a blameless life. 
And he that forged, and he that threw the dart, 
Had each a brother's interest in his heart : 
He followed Paul, his zeal a kindred flame. 
His apostolic charity the same ; 
Like him he laboured, and like him content 
To bear it, suffered shame where'er he went.* 

His ministerial appointments stand thus: — Kerry, 1790; 
Limerick, 1791 ; Enniskillen, 1792-93; Birr, or Parsonstown, 
1794-95; Mountrath, 1796-97; Longford, 1798. General mis- 
sionary : — Province of Connaiight, and Counties of Meath and 
Louth, 1799; Province of Ulster, 1800, 1801 ; South and 
West of Ireland, 1802; Munster, 1803 ; Counties of Limerick, 
Tipperary, Mayo, Galway, and Clare, 1804; Provinces of Con- 
naught and Leinster, 1805 ; the Limerick and Athlone Districts, 
and country in their vicinity, 1806; the Cork District, 1807; 
Athlone Circuit, 1808-9; Mallow Circuit, 1810; Longford 
Circuit, 1811; Cavan Circuit, 1812-13 ; Mountrath Circuit, 
1814-15-16; Carlow Circuit, 1817 ; Newtownbarry Mission, 
1818-19-20; County Wexford Mission, 1821-22; King's County 
and County Westmeath Mission, 1823. 

The following is the Conference record of Charles Graham, 
in the Minutes of Conference for 1824: — ' He was bom near 
Sligo, where he lived as a respectable farmer during a period of 
forty years. At an early age he heard the Gospel by some of 
the Methodist ministers. He was soon after converted to God. 
In the commencement of his Christian course, he was led to 
entertain the doctrine of particular redemption ; but he after- 
wards had more scriptural views, and he continued to the end 
of his life, testifying that God is loving to every man in Christ 
Jesus. He was actively employed for twenty-one years as a 
local preacher, calHng sinners to repentance. In the chapels of 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



249 



our connexion — in the fairs and markets — ^' in season and out of 
season " — he was abundant in labours, beseeching men " to be 
reconciled to God." As a preacher, his abilities were highly 
energetic and useful. His powerful appeals to his street con- 
gregations in the Irish language, were pathetic, and sometimes 
overwhelming. The multitudes heard, trembled, and fell before 
him. When no longer able to proceed on his mission, he was 
favoured with more than ordinary influences of the Holy Spirit, 
as if the great Master had already said, " Well done, good and 
faithful servant." During his confinement, he endured much pain 
with patience and fortitude. Near the close of his life he spoke 
little, yet his whole soul was wrapped up in the blessed hope 
of immortality." And he was often heard to repeat these 
words — 

* * The age that in heaven they spend 
For ever and ever shall last. " 

He 'gently fell asleep on the bosom of our Lord in Athlone, 
April 23, 1824, aged seventy-four.' 

The next testimony is from his dear Charles, his only son and 
namesake, with whom he corresponded so familiarly and affec- 
tionately for twenty-four years — ' It would far exceed my feeble 
powers of description, to give an adequate idea of the hap- 
piness, resignation, and divine confidence, possessed by my 
dear and lamented father during his long and painful illness. 
He never discovered a doubt, or even a temptation, on the 
subject of his acceptance with God through Jesus Christ. Of 
him it might frequently be said, as of the ancient patriarch, 
that he literally ^'worshipped leaning on the top of his staff" 
[Alluding to his efforts to perform family devotion, while either 
lying, or sitting up in the bed]. He made it a matter of prayer, 
that God, before He removed him to his eternal rest, would be 
pleased so to reveal Himself and the invisible world, that he 
might have some just idea of the ineffable glory of that hea- 
venly kingdom, into which he felt persuaded he was about to 



-250 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

enter. And it appeared that God, in infinite condescension, 
answered this prayer of His dying servant, for on the night pre- 
vious to his dissolution he had such a discovery of the eternal 
world made to his mind as caused his prayer to be turned into 
the most rapturous praise. " Glory, glory be to God : glory, 
glory be to God," were his continued expressions. In the 
course of the night he lifted up his hands three times and 
repeated the words, ^'Amen, amen, amen" [Perhaps in allusion 
to the language of the four beasts in Rev. v. 14, who are 
represented as saying, Amen]. We could not ascertain the 
immediate reference to these devout ejaculations. He was 
totally abstracted from the world, and from all earthly con- 
cerns. About half-an-hour before he expired he said to Mrs. 
Graham, " I am going to depart ; I am going to depart. Livy, 
my dear, I am going to sleep;" and in a few moments he 
literally fell asleep in Jesus, without a sigh or groan, or the 
least distortion of a muscle of his countenance. He had the 
use of all his faculties to the latest hour of his life, and his 
sight, hearing, and understanding were as perfect as in the 
time of his health. For these also he expressed his constant 
thanksgiving to God, thus proving the truth of the declaration, 
If any man serve me, him will my Father honour." ' 
The above documents were read by Rev. Wm. Stewart after 
he preached his funeral sermon on Monday, the 26th of April 
1824, in the Wesleyan Chapel, Abbey Street, his remains 
having been brought from Athlone and then to the chapel, 
previous to interment. The audience was deeply affected. 
The preachers, stewards, leaders. Strangers' Friend Society, 
and many of the members and friends of the Dublin Society 
followed him to the grave, reminding us of what is said of 
Samuel's sepulture : — ^ And Samuel died ; and all the Israelites 
were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in 
his house at Ramah (i Sam. xxv. i) ; and under the Christian 
dispensation in which life and immortality are more fully 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 25 1 

brought to light, we have the tenderest sensibilities of our sanc- 
tified nature called forth thus, ' And devout men carried Stephen 
to his burial, and made great lamentation over him' (Acts viii. 2). 
One is sometimes led almost to ask, when great and good 
men die in these latter days, whether we are as much affected 
as we ought ? 

The following is from the pen of Mr. Graham's affectionate and 
long- tried friend, the Rev. Wm. Ferguson.^ It is found, as sup- 
plied by him, among ' Recent Deaths,' in the July number of the 
Wesley a7i Methodist Magazine for 1824: — *The Rev. Charles 
Graham, one of our oldest, most laborious, and most successful 
Irish missionaries. In the year 1790 his appointment to the 
County Kerry was made by the express desire of Mr. Wesley, by 
whom Mr. Graham was personally known and approved. He had 
much opposition from the Catholics, yet his ministry was to many 
of them '^the power of God to their salvation." After seven 
years of circuit work he was again appointed to the general 
mission in 1799, to preach the QxO%-^€i in the native tongue to 
his benighted countrymen, for which he was eminently qualified. 



* It affords the writer great pleasure to record here the high estimation 
in which the Venerable William Ferguson was held by his brethren in 
the ministry. The following is the epitaph on the marble tablet which 
is found in the Wesleyan Chapel, Stephen's Green, Dublin : — 



The Rev. William Ferguson 

Departed this life, in the faith of Christ, on the 26th 
July 1854, in the 84th year of his age, and 64th of 
his ministry. 



This Tablet is erected by his brethren of the Wesleyan 
Methodist Conference of Ireland, as a memorial of 
the esteem in which they held his eminent piety, 
practical wisdom, and the many virtues that adorned 
his character. 



252 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



The commanding sweetness and fluency ^^ith which he spoke 
the Irish language, and his pronunciation of it, afforded more 
general satisfaction than that of any other Irish speaker I have 
ever known. His morals were unblameably correct ; his piet}' 
was sincere and fervent ; and his talents as a preacher truly 
respectable. I have often seen hundreds, yea, thousands, hang 
upon his lips, still as night, whilst the tears, streaming from 
their eyes, gave ground of hope that they were not hearing 
the word of life in vain. My acquaintance with ]\Ir. Graham 
commenced in 1793, and, during a period of thirty-one years 
I have invariably found him the same pious, laborious, 
ardent, and faithful minister of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus 
Christ.' 

The Rev. Mr. Lanktree* %\Tites, ^I had a letter from my 
old friend and brother Ouseley. which gives such a testimony 
to his former colleague, ]\Ir. Graham, lately called to liis 
eternal rest, as should comfort and cheer the ser\'ants of our 
Lord, who are still in their state of probation. It is this : — 

YlY dear Brother Laxktree, — I have just come from the countn', 
and heard that our good and greatly beloved brother Graham has a day or 
two since fled to that fair world of light and love, after which he had so 
long panted, and to arrive at which he laboured day and night And what 
a labourer was he ! But the time of rest is come. Yes, he has just gone 
a little before us. Oh, what days ' of the Son of ]Man ' have he and I seen 
together ! But a blessed etemit}' is at hand, and there all the ship's com- 
pany meet, never again to part. I am still supported as when young, thank 
God. I labour much in the streets also. Yesterday I rode t^-enty-two 
miles, preached in the morning in Cavan — in Ballyjamesduff market at one, 
to a vast crowd — and last night in Kells. This day I rode to Dublin 
thirty-two miles, and am not a whit the worse. 

^^G. Ouseley.""' 



* So many references having been made to IMr. Lanktree, the ^vriter 
feels great satisfaction m introducing the following sketch of his character 
from the Minutes of Conference for the year 1850. 'His public ministra- 
tions were eminently spiritual, rich in evangeHcal truth, and accompanied 
by the unction of the Holy Ghost. He was specially a son of consolation to 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



The next is selected from a lecture, entitled ^ Ouseley and 
Graham^'' delivered by the Rev. R. Huston in Armagh, about 
five years since, and afterwards published by request. He 
says, ' Mr. Graham was the most remarkable of Ouseley's co- 
evangelists, and was born in Connaught, as were several who 
were endowed with popular talents, and others with less shin- 
ing gifts.' The writer would here digress: — 

Mr. Huston mentions Ouseley, whom we call immortal ; Strawbridge, 
the founder of Methodism in Maryland ; William Arthur, whose fame is 
world wide — although not bom in Connaught, yet reared and converted 
there; — Thomas Guard, the brilliant lecturer; Thomas M'CuUagh, an 
* Eminent Irishman,' convinced of sin in the street of Athlone, under a 
sermon preached there by Mr. Ouseley, and afterwards converted to God 
in Kilkenny through Mr. Huston's ministry — this the writer had from Mr. 
M'C — ; John Feely, in many particulars a second Thomas Walsh; G. 
Alley, whose pulpit and whose pen give no uncertain sound, endeared to 
the writer by a spiritual tie. The writer must also lay claim to R. Huston 
himself as a Connaught man. He wrote an admirable biography of the Rev. 
Fossey Tackaberry, who was Mr. Graham's son in the Gospel. We would 
also mention James Rutledge, another Daniel in prayer; the gifted 
Thomas Lougheed, and G. and M. Burrows, all to be had in honourable 
and everlasting remembrance. The writer was particularly intimate with 
Mr. G. Burrows, and, oh, how anxious he was to have Mr. Graham's 
memoir published. The Rev. Mr. Landers wrote a poem on Mr. G. 
Burrows's death. I will here introduce one of the verses so very expres- 
sive of his character : — 

* He walked with God, — his life-long consecration, 

Like hallowed service in some temple fair, 
Was one of patience, love, and adoration. 

Fruitful of blessing, and sustained by prayer. ' 

Mr. Huston continues to remark that the following features 
of Mr. Graham's character were very prominent : — 

the sick and the dying. In his latter days, when a supernumerary, he sought 
to save souls. His last ministerial act was to pray at the bedside of a poor 
man, who was dying of cholera; shortly after which he died himself of 
the same disease. His last words were, *'To die is gain." He died in 
Belfast, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, and the fifty-fifth of his 
ministry.' 



254 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

'First — ^He was remarkable for high-toned spiritualiiy. An 
humble, serious, and holy man ; entirely devoted to God.' 

^ Seco?idly — For marvellous a?iswers to prayer and singular 
revelatio7is from God. He made it a matter of prayer that God 
would reveal the ineffable glory of the invisible world to him 
before he entered it, and He did so. For some days before he 
departed, he shouted again and again. O, the glor\' ! O, the 
glory!" 

' TJiirdly — For 77ioral cou?'age. This was seen from the be- 
ginning of his career, especially when preaching in the open 
air ; and more especially in his defiance of Romish opposition. 

It was tested frequently in the County Keny-, and in the 
streets of Clones, when opposed by the magistrate and the 
army. 

^Fourthly — For his yearning pity for perishing sinners, such 
as in the case of the culprit at Longford, for whom he pleaded 
with God on the morning of his execution, and had hope in 
his death. 

•i^.vr;/: — For his p erceprion of the morally sublime. This may 
be seen m his graplric description of some of those expressions 
which female converts from the Chtirch of Rome used after 
they found peace with God ; one exclaiming in Irish, "A 
thousand praises to Thee. Saviotir." 

^Sixthly — For his punge::: and apposite ^it, as when he wa..s 
preaching from " V\'hy s rand ye here all the day idle," he said — 
*'Just like the coy g:.'Ljp:::g for the priest; he was idle, 
although in haste ! " It is so with nianv still idle, although 
apparently lahouri?ig hard. 

' Seve?ithly — For pathos and unction as an Irish spe:..ker. the 
Rev. W. Ferguson said of him, The commanding szucet/iess 
and fuieficy with which he spoke in the Irish language emi- 
nently qurJihed him to pre:.ck the Gospel to his benighted 
countr3rmen. I have seen kuncrecs. ye-i. tkcusincs. is srkl '.s 
night listening to the pointed and powerful appeals to rhe:r 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



consciences, whilst the flowing tears proved they were not 
hearing in vain." 

Eighthly — For convincing argument and persuasion. Hold- 
ing a lengthened debate on the tenets of Rome with a shrewd 
controversialist, Mr. Graham at length turned on the sanctity 
of the Church as a mark of apostolicity, and said, " If I went 
next Sabbath to your place and took out all the rogues, liars, 
drunkards, swearers, Sabbath-breakers, &c., how many, think 
you, would I leave behind?" " Why, Sir," said the man ; *' If 
you went so close to work as that, you would pull the priest 
himself off the altar ! " 

Mr. Huston forgot, however, to mention another prominent 
feature of Mr. Graham's character — that of great meekness under 
provocation^ especially when arising from ignorance. It was 
this which arrested that young man in Gorey of whom mention 
was made more than once in this biographical sketch. Mr. 
Graham was preaching as the people were coming out of mass, 
when a miscreant took some of the mud of the street and flung 
it in Mr. Graham's face ! Mr. Graham, with dignified meek- 
ness, said nothing, but took out his handkerchief and waped off 
the mud. Young Byrne was passing by, and witnessed the 
scene. He said to himself, ' That is a man of God,' and he 
left the Church of Rome at once. 

* Teach us to bear the taunt, the scoff, 
The hour when timid friends fall off ; 

In meekness tempered best. 
Teach us to witness for the Lord, 
And still to wield the two-edged sword. 

And then remaineth rest." ' 

* Graham's portrait,' says Mr. Huston, 'physically and inorally^ 
— and we would add, me?itally — 'may be thus drawn : — a mus- 
cular frame, a penetrating look, a commanding voice, an authori- 
tative bearing, a strong understanding, a heart overflowing with 
love to Christ and the souls of men. Bold as a lion, might v 



256 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

in the Scriptures, antagonistic to error, pastoral in his spirit and 
habits. [And I would here add, conscientiously scrupulous in 
all his appointments, especially ministerial.] Fatherly in his 
manner, energetic, self-denying, candid, prudent, instructively 
witty, prayerful, unwearied in toil, and faithful unto death.' 

I can strongly commend Mr. Huston's lecture which, for its 
size, is the best characteristic description extant of the two great 
men on whom he lectures. It is well written, and abounds 
with anecdotes. 

Another description, partly taken from Mr. Reilly's account 
of those two ' great hearts,' will be pleasing: — ^Mr. Graham was 
naticrally gifted with persuasive powers ; Mr. Ouseley with 
reasoning powers. Mr. Graham's voice was soft and musical ; 
Mr. Ouseley's rough and sepulchral Mr. Graham brought the 
Scriptures, with a mind filled with holy truth, to bear upon 
errors and prejudices convincing to all ; Mr. Ousele}^, by logi- 
cal arguments and varied research, would stop the mouths of 
gainsayers. Both were perfect masters of the Irish language, 
and each felt inspired with a pure zeal for the truth of 
Christ, and burned with an unquenchable zeal for the glory 
of God and the salvation of sinners. They were sons of 
thunder.' 

The Rev. Richard T. Tracey, of Limerick, kindly sent the 
following, unsolicited, a few days ago, relative to Mr. Graham's 
person and labours : — ' The last time I saw Mr. Graham v/as at 
the Conference (most likely 1820) in Dublin. His figure was 
compact, firm, and erect. I saw him leaving town. He 
seemed dead to all around him, and alone in the midst of the 
multitudes. I thought what a noble herald from the Courts 
above ! An ambassador of Christ, having delivered his 
message of mercy to thousands, who were subdued beneath the 
shadow of the cross. And as my last glance fell on this 
venerable man of God, my very heart sighed, " Let m.y last 
end be like his." ' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



Mr. Byrne was mentioned in a former part of this memoir as 
being the fruit of Mr. Graham's ministry in the street of Gorey. 
He became a preacher in our connexion, and travelled with great 
acceptance for three years. When his health declined, he had 
to give up the ministr}-; but he was very useful wherever his lot 
was cast. He died of cholera in the year 1848, in Tralee, 
where he v/as greatly respected. He published a volume of 
poems, in which the following is found to the memory of Mr. 
Graham : — 

* LINES ON THE REV. CHARLES GRAHAM. 

* To tell where sleeps the brave, 
The column lifts its head ; 
How grateful on the patriot's grave 
A nation's tears are shed. 

But there's a holier spot, 

Where dust more sacred lies ; 
The hoary veteran's rest, who sought 

The triumphs of the skies. 

Such this aged warrior was, 

Who in his armour died ; 
A valiant soldier of the cross, 

In hottest conflicts tried. 

The high commission came. 

He heard, he rose, he went, 
The Gospel trumpet to proclaim. 

To all, wherever sent. 

Wherever men would hear 

The story of the cross ; 
He nobly stood, unmoved by fear, 

In mercy's glorious cause. 

Alike to old and young. 

His lips did grace impart ; 
In eloquence of feeling strong. 

The language of the heart. 

Then, then with tears bedew 
The dust where Graham lies ; 
Look up, look up," he cries to you, 
Come meet me in the skies." ' 



R 



XXIV. 



'And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah.' — I Kings xviii. 46. 
* I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.' — ^John i. 23. 
' This is Elias, which was for to come.' — ^Iatthew xi. 14* 
Notwithstanding he that is least in the kmgdom of hea^ven is greater 
than he.' — Matthew xi. ii. 

* Methinks we need him once again, 
That favour'd seer ; buc where shall he be found?' 



* Tv/ice in her season of decay, 

The fallen Church hath felt Elijah's eye 
Dart from the wild its piercing ray, 

Not keener bums, in the chill morning sky. 
The herald star. 
Whose torch afar, 
Shadows and boding night-birds fly. 

Where is the lore the Baptist taught, 

The soul unswei-\'ing, and the fearless tongue ? 
The much enduring wisdom, sought 

By lonely prayer the haunted rocks among? 
Who counts it gain. 
His light should wane. 
So the whole world to Jesus throng ? 

Thou Spirit, who the Church didst lend 

Her eagle wings, to shelter in the wild ; 
We pray thee, ere the Judge descend 

With flames like these, all bright and undefiled, 
Her watch-fires light, 
To guide aright 
Our weary souls, by earth beguiled. 

So glorious let Thy pastor's shine, 

That by their speaking lives the world may learn 
First filial duty, then divine, 

That sons to parents, all to Thee may turn ; 
And ready prove, 
In fires of love. 
At sight of Thee, for aye to bum.^ 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



■ SEVERAL OPINIONS ON THE MINISTERIAL AND MISSIONARY 
ENTERPRISE. 

Views of Rev. Thomas Jackson on the Christiat^ ministry.— 
Ditto the Rev. William Arthur. — Ditto Rev. Charles- 
Prest. — Ditto Rev. Mr. Perks. — Ditto Rev. Mr. Briggs.— 
Ditto Rev. Dr. Scott. — Ditto Rev. Dr. Crook. — Ditto late 
Rev. R. Wallace. — Epitaph. — Ditto Rev. John Byrne. — Ditto 
a lay gentleman. — Ditto Rev. John Hill, — Ditto Mr. 
Sheriff M 'Arthur, of London. 



[HE Rev. Thomas Jackson states the followang in sub- 
stance, in his little work on The Apostolical Chtirches : 
— ' That the Gospel of Christ is the science of sal- 
vation, and its ministry is intended to bring mankind to a 
personal knowledge of Christ as a present Saviour from sin. 
Under this ministry Jews and heathens were first awakened, 
and gathered into Churches, and it will be so again ; but the 
ministry which falls short of this object is a failure. A con- 
vincing, soul-saving, and edifying ministry, is the grand v/ant of 
the present age. If the minister of Christ is to be a fisher of 
men," and fail to draw a single sinner out of his native element, 
and thus catches nothing, to say the least, he is unskilful in his 
profession. The physician, who never performs a single cure, is 
entitled to little credit. There is now by many, far more energy 
put forth in behalf of an iiTiposing ritualism, than by many 
Christian ministers in behalf of the spread of the glorious doc- 



260 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



trine of salvation by faith. There are men now who profess 
to be Christ's ministers, and successors of the apostles, who 
openly declare at one time their full belief in all the formu- 
laries of Protestantism, and at another time as openly and 
absolutely deny them ; thus uttering falsehood and blasphemy 
before the Lord and before men. " Surely, men of low degree 
are a He, and men of high degree are vanity." This state of 
things is indeed alarming. But we have the same remedy the 
early Churches had — that of earnest, united, believing, and 
persevering prayer. If this be faithfully tried, the Holy Ghost 
will descend " like mighty winds, or torrents fierce, or like the 
soft and penetrating dew." Then, when the enemy comes in as 
a flood, the Spirit will lift up a standard against him ; or, as it 
reads in the margin, ^'put him to flight." Men will be raised 
up to preach the Gospel, with the Holy Ghost sent down from 
heaven ; the progress of error will be arrested, and the various 
forms of sin will disappear. Sinners will be compassionated 
with cries and tears, and the masses will soon be turned from 
darkness to light, and Satan's kingdom will totter in every direc- 
tion to its fall. The seal of forgiveness, the regeneration of 
the heart, and holiness of life, with all the corresponding fruits 
of righteousness, will follow in the train.' 

'Soldiers of Christ, arise, 
And put your armour on ; 
Strong in the strength which God supplies, 
Through His eternal Son.' 

The Rev. Charles Prest, in a speech at the Home Missionarv'- 
Meeting in May 1868, said — ' The necessity for additional hom^e 
missionary exertions is apparent in the continual increase of 
the population, w^hich outstrips the efforts of all evangelical 
Churches. An additional reason why we should multiply this 
agency, is to be found in the pestilent errors which disfigure 
some of the Churches around us ; besides, it is a lamentable 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



fact, that crime and ungodliness prevail to an alarming extent. 
You ought to have fifty home missionary ministers employed in 
the metropolis. The necessity is felt in every locality where 
great spiritual destitution abounds, and this is seen in the 
numerous and repeated applications for additional home mis- 
sionaries ; but there is discouragement as vv^ell, and this arises 
from the present inability of the committee to meet the 
numerous, and urgent, and special claims which are presented 
to us, and some repeated over and over again, for home mis- 
sionaries, and all special' 

The following is from the Rev. W. Arthur, A.M., as delivered 
in a speech last May (1868) in London : — 

' There was a vast population around them, v/ith many trials 
and temptations assailing it, and this population, in many 
cases, could never be reached by any official means. Give me 
a man penetrated with faith — faith in God, faith in .^Christ, 
faith in heaven, faith in hell, faith in the resurrection, faith in 
the judgment, faith in things not seen, faith that brought 
acceptance with God — that man would v/ork earnestly for the 
salvation of souls. It was love that made men work ; it was 
love that created every mission station at home and abroad. 
They v/anted more faith in, and love to, God. The law of love 
was the one undying power in the earth. Let us have that, and 
each would be v/armed and strengthened for his work, and 
become a constant spring of blessing to all around him.' 

The Rev. G. T. Perks said, in a missionary speech delivered 
in London, in May 1868 — 'He believed the main cure for all 
the miseries of Ireland w^ould be an extensive circulatiop of 
the Word of God, and of the diffusion of that Protestant 
Christianity which had so largely blessed themselves. He 
thought that a race which had given to themselves a Dr. Adam 
Clarke, and a William Arthur, had no reason to blush for its 
blood. He was inclined to think that if old Saint Patrick 
himself were alive to-day, he would be a thorough Wesleyan 



262 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



Methodist (missionan^). He vrrote a treatise called the Con- 
fession of Saint Patrick.^' and there was nothing in it which 
might not be subscribed to by the most conscientious Pro- 
testant Christian. About the middle of the seventh century 
the famous St Columba left the shores of Ireland to evangelize 
vScotland, and he fixed his residence in lona, where he became 
the luminary of the Caledonian people. He and his mis- 
sionaries were not that strange compound which were the curse 
of Ireland at this day. They held to the sole supremacy of 
God's Word, and to the doctrine of salvation through faith in 
Christ It was a dark day for Ireland when Henry II. handed 
it over to Pope Adrian IV. Ireland had gone back ever 
since in the scale of intelligence, morality, and commercial 
greatness, and if ever it rise it must throw off the Papal 
incubus. Just at this moment the earnest attention of Protes- 
tant Christians was directed to the religious claims of Ireland, 
and Providence was creating an agency mighty for good. It 
was often satisfactoiy to his o^ra mind to reflect that many of 
those vrho emigrated from Ireland had been nurtured in Pro- 
testantism, and they knevr that AVesleyan jMethodism was first 
introduced into North America by Irish emigrants. But if 
they would have their colonies to become hot beds of igno- 
rance, superstition, and disloyalty, they would leave Poper}' to 
vegetate in all its vigorous wildness ; but if they would have 
their colonies rise high in the scale of intelhgence, and in all 
that was good and great, they must multiply churches and 
chapels, and then they would become, as Ireland would 
becomie, in the words of one of her poets, great, glorious, 
and free.'" 

The Rev. F. W. Briggs^writes, in his Chequer Alley — ' '^Miat 
the fallen masses around you want is the introduction among 
them of a power which no human machinery can produce. 



* See pages 55, 56. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



263 



That /^^r is divinely provided in the truth of Christianity. 
A single example is better than a hundred untried theories, 
however plausible. In Chequer Alley^ by the mere force of 
wisely used means for bringing Christian truth to act on the 
conscience and heart, without the influence which wealth 
commands, without high intellectual culture, without the 
prestige of office, or of superior social position, hundreds of 
degraded men and women have been effectually lifted up out 
of that terrible slough, from which they had neither power nor 
desire to extricate themselves. And what it has done there it 
will do everywhere, if faithfully, fairly, and persistently tried.' 

The Rev. R. Scott, D.D., when referring to the Irish General 
Mission says: — * On every hand how many Protestants and 
Roman Catholics alike are perishing in their sins, without any 
faithful voice to show unto them the way of salvation. To 
reach them the herald of the cross must go to them, and not 
wait until they come to him. Burning with zeal for their price- 
less souls, he must go into the streets and lanes of the city, and 
into the highways and hedges, that he may seek w^andering 
sheep, and bring them to the Saviour's fold. The system of 
itinerant evangelism which has ever characterised Methodism 
must never allow the claims of the pastoral work to interfere 
v/ith the spirit of aggression. Let us meet our difficulties in 
the same spirit of faith with which our fathers met them, and 
we shall turn all our difficulties into occasions of success and 
triumph,' 

The Rev. W. Crook, D.D., writes in his Ireland and 
American Methodism^ at page 24 : — ^ And is it not the dictate 
of ordinary prudence and self-interest to strengthen the hands 
of Methodism in Ireland ? It is the only agency that has yet 
iold to any serious extent upon the Irish Roman Catholic mind. 
In 1799 — the year after the last Popish rebellion — while the 
smoke of that fearful conflagration was still ascending, the Irish 
Conference projected the first organized mission ever attempted 



264 



THE LIFE OF THE REV, C. GRAHAM, 



in Ireland, with direct reference to the Romanist population. 
Graham and Ouseley,"^ with an intrepidity which, I venture to 
think, has been rarely surpassed in the history of the Church, 
volunteered for this arduous mission. Speedily priestly -wrath 
waxed hot. They were denounced from the altar, but they 
sublimely held on their way, and the success of their heroic 
mission was truly marvellous.' 

The following extract is from the last official sermon which 
our ever-to-be-esteemed and lamented brother, the late Rev. 
Pvobert Wallace,t preached at the August District Meeting in 
Dublin, in 1865 — and which has since been published — and 

* We may here introduce the epitaph on ^Ir. Ouseley's tomb in Mount 
Jerome Cemetery : — 



Gideon Ouseley 
Departed this life 
May 14, 1839, 
In the 78th year of his age. 
He was a zealous, laborious, and 
Self-denying Minister of the Gospel 

of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
Throughout the United Kingdom, 
And during nearly half a century 
He was ceaselessly enga.ged 
In his blaster's work ; 
In Ireland especially, 
In its towns and villages, 
Fairs and m2.rkets ; 
Regardless of personal ease. 
Fearless of danger, 
Uninfluenced by the policy of those 
' AVho are prudent in their own sight,' 

He persuasively called on men 
To 'repent and believe the Gospel.' 



t The writer feels much pleasure in being able to record the following 
epitaph, which he ti'anscribed to-day (August 10, 1868) from the tablet 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



v/hich the crater had the privilege of hearing : and now, with 
equal pleasure, introduces it here. The text was, ' He that 
goeth forth and weepeth,' &c. (Psalm cxxvi. 6.) 'The end of 
the Christian ministry is to save souls, to enlighten men's minds, 
to awaken their consciences, to bring them to repentance, to 
faith in Christ, to establish them in the way, and lead them to 
glory. We have already said that the Jewish Church was local 
and stationary. It is quite otherwise with the Church of the 
New Testament. Christ commands His disciples ''to go into 
all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." It 
^vill never do for the Christian minister to wait until the people 
come to him. He must go to them — go to " the highways and 

erected in the Centenaiy Cliapel, Stephen's Green, by the stevrards and 
members of that congregation, among whom 'Mr. Wallace laboured wit'i 
great acceptance for three years, and by whom he vras greatly esteemed : — 



ihz gtemorg 

OF THE 

Rev. Robert Wallace, whose sanctified talents and 
devoted ser^-ice will be long held in affectionate 
remem.brance. Appointed by the Irish Conference 
of 1866 one of its delegates to the ^Methodist Churches 
of iVmerica, dming the celebration of the Centenary 
of Methodism on that continent, he was, in ten days 
after his arrival, seized with cholera, and died in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sabbath, September 2nd, in 
the 55th year of his age, and 31st of his ministr}\ 
' And he, being dead, yet speakeih. ' 



The writer also read to-day the last letter of the Rev. W. 'SI. Punshon 
from British America ; and his last sentence in that letter is grateful to us, 
and will be to many : — ^ During my stay in Cincinnati I visited the cemeteiy 
in which Robert Wallace lies, and gazed with mournful interest upon the 
monument erected over his remains. He is worthily commemorated, and 
would reach heaven as soon from Cincinnati as from Dublin, rising in **a 
chariot of fire." He was a good and an able man, and there are many on 
both sides of the Atlantic who keep his memory green. ' 



266 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GP.AHAM, 



hedges, the streets and lanes of the city, and compel them to 
come in" — sow the seed everywhere — in the hearts of little 
children, of youth, and of age — in the prayer-meeting and 
class-meeting, in the Sunday-school as well as in the congre- 
gation. Without sympathizing deeply with the work in which 
w^e are engaged, we never make much progress. " He that 
goeth forth and weepeth." In many a tear there is a povrer 
which is of more value than the most brilliant gem ever 
gathered from the bed of ocean ; in many a smile more 
charms than in the brightest sunbeam that ever lighted up 
the scenery around us. Sympathy with the work, with God, 
with men — it awakens all his sense of the love of Christ to 
himself, all his pity for his fellovr-men, all his hojDes for the 
triumph of the Redeemer's cause, and links w^ith heaven itself 
in the joy over the returning sinner; but if he denounce the 
sinner's doom — lead him to the door of hell, and shovv him 
v/hat it is — let him do it with tears in his eyes.' 

And we would add, let him imitate Him who wept over 
Jerusalem, and, if possible, would weep still. 

* Nay, but He utter'd over thee, 
Jerusalem, a true complaint ; 
Jerusalem, who shedd'st His blood, 
That, Vv ith His tears, for thee hath flowed. ' 

The following are also the views of a lay gentleman who 
does not wish his name to appear. He has written largely— 
though he never published his writings — on the subject of the 
world's conversion, and the responsibility of the Church of 
Christ in reference to this important matter. The author of 
this volume^ thinks his writings would be well worth general 
circulation in a permanent form. He observes :— 

' From the Acts of the Apostles, and some of the epistles, 
it is obvious that the object of the primitive preachers was to 
bring the light both of the law and the Gospel to bear on the 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



267 



minds of Jew and Gentile by means of preaching and public 
addresses, to convince men of sin, and the guilt and danger 
consequent on neglecting the offer of mercy; to warn them 
to flee from the wrath to come ; and as well to flee for refuge, 
to 'lay hold upon the hope set before them.' They agitated 
the world; they organized churches; and those who had been 
formerly dead in trespasses and in sins were brought into life 
and Christian fellowship. An organized agency of this class 
vvould be as necessary now as then. The Gospel should be 
preached at least to every sinner in Christendom, and then to 
the regions beyond, where Christ has not yet been named, 

''Till ever}" distant nation 

Has heard the joyful sound, 
And fill the whole creation 
With blessings all around." ' 

TRe follo^^dng extract is from a letter by the Rev. John Hill 
to the writer, in the year 1850, written from Castlebar : — 

' Union is sacred, and should be considered in its connexion 
with eternity. ' [He here refers to the writer and himself having 
travelled three very happy years together on the Tullamore 
circuit] 'May God be glorified in having useful labours pro- 
longed. Make others work; act like John Holmes in this 
respect. I can sympathize with you in your care and labour. 
Nothing will help so much as spiritual prosperity ; nothing but 
love will bring us through. Oh, how cheering to have souls 
converted. Some think that when men grow old in sin, their 
conversion is impossible ; I think othenvise. Your old convert 
is proof Why does God spare ? Is not His long-suffering to 
be counted salvation? Hopefully apply the truth to all men. 
May this year be a year of abundant blessing from above. 
This land is spewing out its inhabitants to America. As 
to England, I am pleased at the godly firmness of the Con- 
ference. The agitation will terminate as the former. This is 
the fourth storm in my day which has tossed the John Wesley 



268 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GKAHAM, 



ship ! She will sail on and bear the blessed cargo safe into 
port. I would desire my studying, preaching, and every act 
would be for eternity, that God may be glorified, and a poor, 
unprofitable servant may be prepared to join the companions 
of my youth or age in the house not made with hands.' 

He concludes Vvith a beautiful poem just ^ratten for the 
occasion. I give two verses — 

' AVhen elders their cro^^Tls are in lowliness casting, 

The songs of the ransomed our tongues shall employ, 
And ail tliat's intended in life everlasting 
Shall perfect our pleasure and fulness of joy. 

From prospects so cheering we labour to borrow 

A balm for the trials and toils of to-day, 
And hope shall uphold us till sighing and sorrow 

For ever and ever shall vanish away. ' 

The writer of this work was then placed on the laborious 
Irvinestovrn circuit, where his health gave way. 

It gives the author much gratification to introduce here 
the recent views of our comparatively young, but increasingly 
popular minister, the Rev. Oliver M^Cutcheon, on the general 
mission — in which he takes the liveliest interest, and has often 
cheered the writer during the last year, vrhich was one of per- 
secution and trial, but one also of great success, thank God 
— in the report which he ^n■ote and read this year at the Confer- 
ence in Dublin : — 

•The general mission occupies a prominent place in the 
histoiy of ^Methodism in Ireland. For several years it was 
maintained. The labours of the missionaries were greatly 
blessed and successful in the conversion of sinners to God, and 
in the increase of our societies. ]\Iuch of this success was 
among the Roman Catholic population : want of men, and want 
of means compelled the Conference to abandon it occasionally. 
Last year the Conference was induced to appoint three general 
missionaries, encouraged by a grant of five thousand dollars 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



269 



from the Methodist Episcopal Church of America. During 
the past year, Almighty God has blessed the labours of our 
general missionaries with considerable success. There is no 
doubt but their side-way conversations, preaching in the open 
air, at markets, fairs, and at other time^, have contributed to 
the wider difiusion of the Gospel, and gradually tending to 
leaven the masses of the people vdth principles which make 
mien free. The missionaries have had opposition and persecu- 
tions last year. The spiritual necessities of our country, and 
the success with which the labours of our general missionaries 
have been uniformly favoured, by the blessing of Almighty 
God, justify the Conference in conmiending this department 
of our work to the earnest prayers and liberal support of the 
members of our Church, and of the tme friends of Ireland.' 

William M Arthur, Esq.,"' now Sheriff of London, made the 
foUo^^-ing judicious observations on the state of the mission 

* Mr. M 'Arthur is the son of the late Rev. Joliii 'M "Arthur, of whom 
honourable mention is made in the Minutes of the Irish Conference for the 
year 1840. We feel great pleasure in inserting the following extract: 'As 
a Christian his piety was deep and uniform, a kind and faithful friend, an 
agreeable and intelligent companion, a good experimental and practical 
preacher. His sermons were enriched by numerous portions of Scripture, 
which he quoted with the strictest accuracy. AYith a hope full of immor- 
tality, and surrounded by an affectionate and pious family, he fell asleep in 
Jesus, March 2nd, 1840. " Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, 
for the end of that man is peace." ' We will here take the liberty of adding, 
that his excellent wife was one of the finest specimens of Christian matron - 
hood the writer ever met with. God gi-eatly honoured them, both in life 
and in death, and in their family as well. Their other son livir.g is the well 
knowm and beloved Honourable Alexander ]M 'Arthur, now of London, and 
their two daughters are the devoted wives of two of our worthy ministers, 
for all of whom the writer entertains the highest respect and esteem. No 
wonder Sheriff M 'Arthur so frequently quotes the following lines — 

* My boast is not that I derive my birth, 
From loins enthroned and rulers of the earth ; 
But higher far my proud pretensions rise, 
The son of parents passed into the skies. ' 



270 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



v/ork in Ireland, in a speech delivered by him in New York, 
during the late celebration of the Centenary of Methodism on 
that Continent. He hrst spoke thus of the Rev. Robert Wallace, 
whose lamented death took place a short time previously at 
Cincinnati — 

' He taught us how to live, and, oh I too high 
A price for knowledge, taught us how to die. ' 

He then said, * About eight hundred of the Irish members, 
representing at least 4.000 congregational members, left yearly 
for your country. There are now more Irish Methodists in 
Xevy- York than in the city of Dublin. At least three hundred 
of your ministers have been the fruit of Irish ^lethodism, and 
vet with its diminished numbers it is obliged to keep up the 
fame minisrerial staff. They could not give up a single country 
-ration, although lessened in numbers by emigration. Districts, 
formerly wild and unpromising, had given Dr. Elhott to the 
United Srates. Dr. Richey to Canada, Dr. Clarke, and now 
Wiiham Arthur to the British Conference, and yet they raised 
a short time ago. wiih your assistance of ^7,000, to enable them 
to incre.ise their ag_,ressive pov\'er in various ways, and to 
siren iilicn all their institutions, no less a sum than ^20,000. 
V\liar rhey needed now was a College where their youth couM 
^ e trained, and which also w:-l:: srrve as an institution for 
ilieir rising minisrr}-. The d-^M::-::?n (of which he was a 
member I had come to ; :cn ::: cheir Centenary celebration, and 
to convey the trarernal grcc::::>.s of their brethren in Ireland, 
and to ask their sym^. arhy and aid. They are with you, of the 
same Anglj-Saxon race, and boast a common and noble 
amcestry. Their li:erarure vras the same, INIilton, Locke, 
Newton, Bacon. Shakspeare. Howe, Wesley, Watson, Clarke, 
were household names in England. They were equally so in 
Amierica.. Their glorious language was the same. The same 
Bible as the foundation of their faith, the palladium of their 
liberty, and the source of all their prosperity and greatness. 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



271 



England and America, the t^vo great Protestant powers of the 
earth, led the van in the cause of humanity, ci\dlization, and 
religion. Their respective flags float in every breeze. Their 
sails whiten on every shore. If to England was given the gold 
of Australia, to America was given that of California. Let each, 
then, fulfil the high and holy mission assigned to it — emulate 
each other in spreading the glorious Gospel of the blessed God 
— one proceeding eastward and the other west^'ard, until en- 
compassing the world, they would meet to celebrate the 
trium.phs of the cross, and rejoice in the advent of that day — 

*'AYlien He sliall come 
And, added to His many cro^vns, 
Take yet this one — the crown of the whole earth, 
For He alone is worthy." 

He rejoiced that he had arrived there, when the cause of truth 
and righteousness had been triumphant, and when slavery was 
no more.' 

The writer may now say, and he does it with delight, that 
America North m.ay sing of her happy, man-elevating, and God- 
honouring countr}', in the words, slightly altered, of one of 
England's poets, in which he long since sung of Britain's 
freedom : — 

' Slaves in Columbia cannot breathe ; if their Imigs 
Imbibe our air, that moment they are free. 
They touch our country', and their shackles fall. 
That's noble, and bespeaks a nation proud 
And jealous of the blessing I Spread on, then. 
And let it circulate through e\ery vein 
Of all your empire — that, where Columbia's power 
Is felt, mankind may feel her mercy too.' 



XXV. 



* Being reviled we bless.' — St. Paul. 

LINES WRITTEN BY CHARLES WESLEY, AFTER A DELIVERANCE FROM AN 
ASSAULT IN ATHLONE, ABOUT 120 YEARS AGO. 

* All conquering king, 

Thy triumph we sing ; 

Redeemed from the foe, * 
We publish our mighty Redeemer below. 

The omnipotent name 

Of Jesus proclaim. 

And joyfully raise 
Our voices and hearts in a concert of praise. 

From the malice of men 

Thou hast saved us again. 

And broken the snare. 
And scattered the folk that delighted in war. 

Athirst for our blood 

In ambush they stood, 

Our lives to surprise, 
And hurry us hence to our friends in the skies. 

But God on the throne 

Protected His ov/n; 

The danger to ward, 
He planted around an angelical guard : 

Their wings were outspread, 

And covered our head ; 

Their arms were beneath. 
And bore us aloft from the weapons of death. 

With angels above 

W^e sing of Thy love. 

With saints in the vale. 
The unsearchable riches of mxcrcy we tell. 

Till admitted among 

The glorified throng 

We look on Thy face, 
And eternity spend in a rapture of praise. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



FRUIT. 

Rev. Dr. Stevens' description of the labours and fruit of 
THE General Mission. — Dr. George Smith's (of Cambour.ne) 

ACCOUNT OF THE ENGLISH HOME MISSION. — MISSION UNDER DR. 

Coke, as the result of the success of the Irish Mission. — 
Tfie conversion of the Dairyman's Daughter. — Also of Mrs. 
Slacke of Annadale. — Sudden death. — Mrs. Whittaker of 
Sligo — A remarkable woman — sudden death. 




UR first extracts will be from Dr. Abel Stevens' 
incomparable work on 'The Methodism of the 
Eighteenth Century.' He ^mtes of the agents 
employed on the general mission in Ireland and of 
their labours in a very attractive style. Of Graham he speaks 
thus : — ' He is still revered in Ireland as one of its chief 
Methodistic characters. In 1790, Wesley commissioned him 
as a missionary evangelist in Kerry, where he is still venerated 
as its ''Apostle.'" 

Speaking of the joint labours of Graham and Ousel ey, Dr. 
Stevens states : — ' They generally rode into towns with hats 
off, and Bible in hand, when immediately they were followed 
by a procession. They sung a hymn, or a translation of one 
of Wesley's, in the Irish. The pathos of the lyric and of the 
language touched the hearts of the rude crowds, who sobbed 
aloud and waved to and fro, swayed by the simple m.usic even 

s 



274 



THE LIFE OF THE REV C. GRAHAM, 



before the prayer began.' ^ We may thus tolerate what a cer- 
tain writer calls music — 

'The sweet delusion of a raptured mind.' 

No wonder a great man was induced to say, ' I care not who 
governs a country if I am only allowed to make the ballads.' 
Such is the sympathy of sound and song. Dr. Stevens goes 
on to say, in his description of those marv^ellous street services, 
that — • Others fell in the streets on their knees, calling upon 
the Virgin and the saints. Some shouting questions or defiance 
to the preachers ; others throwing sticks or stones at them : 
some rolling up their sleeves in defiance of them, others in 
hostility to them. Frequently the confusion culminated in a 
genuine Hibernian riot, the parties rushing pell mell upon each 
other, roaring and brandishing shillelahs, and only brought to 
order at last by the inteiwention of troops from the barracks. 

'Whatever doubts such occasional tumults might suggest 
respecting the expediency of the mission, they were borne 
dovrn by its triumphant results. The Gospel was heard by 
the Irish masses. How otherwise could they be reached was 
a question which none could answer, unless it was "not to 
go near them at all." They will not come to Protestant 
churches. They believe it a sin to do so. Shall they, then, 
be left to perish ? You cannot conduct your elections, 

* The author is here reminded of the stoiy told of Orpheus by Virgil, 
' That when he played on his lute the stones rose from the quarr}^, and 
danced till they arranged themselves in the building; and likewise the 
timbers from the forest came together to their proper places in the roof 
under its magical tones, till the whole building stood in its completeness, a 
monument of its poAver.' To this, no doubt, Charles Wesley alludes, when 
he makes Virgil's dream a glorious reality. 

' Thus Avould I chann the listening throng, 
And draw the living stones along 

By Jesus' blessed name. 
The living stones shall dance and rise, 
And form a city in the skies, 
The new Jerusalem. ' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



or even, in many instances, administer law without tumult. 
Must we, therefore, argue that government should be aban- 
doned ? And shall not the administrators of the Gospel have 
courage as well to confront the indignities and perils which 
the magistrates face ? In the midst of all such disorders it was 
frequently seen that incalculable good was done. Not only 
scores and hundreds, but thousands of the ^^Tetched popula- 
tion were savingly converted, and brought into the Methodist 
and other Protestant Churches. These brave itinerants were 
evidently grappling with the monster evil of the land. They 
were doing what Protestantism had hitherto failed to do. Some 
of the clergy of the establishment, who saw that there was no 
other way to conquer Popery, began to take sides with the 
missionaries, and welcomed them to their parishes, and fre- 
quently with their congregation stood faithfully round them. 
M^Quigg's Irish Bible, and Ouseley's controversial tracts, 
especially his Old Chrisiianity did good service, but the 
living voice vras the grand agency. 

' Truth from their lips prevailed with double sway, 
And those who came to mock remained to pray." 

' This mission ga^ined strength continually. The Irish Con- 
ference saw that it was opening a new and grand field of 
evangelization before them, and gave it their heartiest interest. 
It is hardly now a contingent calculation, that Ireland, after so 
many struggles and sufi'erings, will yet, and before many years, 
become one of the most fertile fields of Protestant Christianit}^ 
In that day Graham and Ouseley, and their fellow-labourers, 
will not fail to be recognised as among the chief apostles of its 
evangelization. Such labourers, together with the hardly less 
energetic exertions of the regular circuit preachers, would have 
rendered Methodism mighty in the island, had it not been for 
continual emigration to the new world. The Irish itinerants 
Avere virtually labouring for American Methodism on the Celtic 
population. The popular tumult and rebellion, the ^vretched 



•276 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C GRAHAM, 

accommodation of the itinerants, and the continual drain upon 
their congregations by foreign emigration ; and yet their per- 
sistent labours and success. It may, indeed, be doubted 
whether the energy of Irish Methodism has had a parallel in 
the history of its wide-spread denomination. Its blessings, not 
only to America, but to the Wesleyan foreign missions, and to 
England itself, in the gift of many eminent preachers^ entitle it 
to the grateful admiration of the world.' 

We do sincerely say, all thanks to Dr. Stevens for this 
appreciation of our work in Ireland, and its relationship to his 
own and kindred Churches ; and we must here state, that the 
recognised obligation is not expressed in word merely, but in 
noble deeds and godly doings. Their financial sympathy, during 
the last few years, is above all praise. Our extension fund, 
our college fund, and now our general mission fund, all prove 
that they do not forget their Hibernian parentage, nor yet The 
Living Supplies whom w^e now and again send them, which 
gold could not purchase, and are far above rubies. We 
have given them Dr. Elliott, Dr. Butler, Dr. M'Ciintock, and 
many others of note ; and also our representatives, both from 
the English and Irish Conferences — Wm. Arthur, Robinson 
Scott, Wm. Reilly, and Robert Wallace, as if, by his death, to 
cement the bond of an undying union and brotherhood. And 
surely, not least, the Rev. W. M. Punshon. We will still hail, 
as we have done, the future representatives from that world- 
wide wonder, 'the Methodist Episcopal Church of America.' 

* All hail, Columbia ! all hail, thou great and free ! 
Thy land a Goshen, thy banner Liberty ! 

We will merely add the following gems, principally taken 
from Dr. Stevens's inestim.able work : — 

'Graham died in the victory of faith. Last words, /'I am going t® 
sleep" (in Jesus). 

' Ouseley — A triumphant end. Last words, God's Spirit is my support. " 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



"^♦YiUmm Hamilton — Career triumphant Last words, '''Not a cloud, 
not a cloud. Glory, glory to God." 

* Andrew Blair — Eminently useful Last words, Let God be mag- 
nified. Amen.^' 

* James M 'iVlullen and excellent wife died in Gibraltar, in the full triumph 
of faith, 

* William Robertson died declaring, ^^Tell my friends I am goLag to 
heaven. " 

' William Peacock departed to his reward ; the mart}T of Kerry. • 

* Thomas Edwards — "I have fought the good fight; I am saved bv 
grace." 

*John M'Adam praised God without intermission for forty-eight hours 
before he departed. 

^ Thomas Johnston died in the full assurance of faith. 

^John Price travelled five miles to preach, called his friends, sho^jk 
liai?.ds, and lay down and fell asleep with Ch-rist 

'George Brown proved, for forty-three years, that the blood of Chris r 
cleanse th from all sin. 

* Samuel Steele — Rare abilities. Departure triumplrant 

''John Hamilton, ''who will have hundreds to be his crov.ii of rejoicing,'' 

^ James Magee, who did important service for nineteen years. 

'Walter Griffith — Deep piety, strong abilities. Last v/ords, "'I have 
gained the victory." 

''Thomas Barber, Adam Clarke's early gmde, and Charles Grahani'^ 
also. Agreeable in eccentricities, indefatigable, great success, cons tar: 1 
visitor. Fifty years a member of the Conference. Always met classes.. 

Instant in season," &c. 

' M-atthew" Lanktree — Fifty-five years a member of the Conference. 

^ Matthew Tobias — Forty-two years a prominent labo?xrer. 

' William Stewart — A veteran of commanding abilities,' 

We might add a host of worthies, if time and place permitted. We musi 
add J. F. Mathews, faithful above many. William Crook, the fruit of 
Graham's mmistry. Fossy Tackaberry as well, and a saint indeed. J. 
Feely, a second Thomas Walsh. Samuel Jolmston, the fruit of William 
Starkey's ministry. 'Irish missionaries sleep,' says Dr. Stevens, 'in mis- 
sionaries' graves in nearly all parts of the globe.'' 

The next extract will be from Doctor George Smith's History 
srf Wesleyan Methodism. We find that the plan of the general 
mission in Ireland worked so well, and gave Doctor Coke so 
much satisfaction, that he devised a plan for carrj-ing the Go,--- 



278 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



pel to the more neglected parts of England. Doctor Smith 
says : — 

^ Success had abundantly crowned the efforts made to spread 
a knowledge of Christ among the hitherto neglected native 
Irish and Welsh, and these triumphs kindled in the pious Doctor 
earnest desire for further conquest. He saw many parts of 
England where great religious destitution prevailed — places 
which could not be reached by ordinary circuit action, or by 
any agency, except by some means analogous to missionary 
operation. He had to contend with great opposition, arising 
from the financial consideration ; but the mind of Doctor Coke, 
however, knew not how to quail before difficulty or opposition, 
but rose in godly energy to grapple with every obstacle. He 
succeeded in obtaining eight men for different parts of England, 
or what was called missionary districts ; these were to act under 
the superintendent minister nearest to those stations. They 
were called home mission stations, and the men appointed 
were called home missionaries. The plan was carried out for 
several years, but ultimately discontinued ; and it w^as only 
after the most patient and enduring perseverance the plan wa? 
revived a few years ago. The Lord raised up the Rev. Charles 
Prest, and laid this subject on his heart, and nobly has he car- 
ried out his plan, and happily, from year to year to year, those 
who strenuously opposed the measure, are cheered by the marked 
success attending those home mission efforts. To an appoint- 
ment of a former class we must especially refer, as supplpng one 
of the richest fruits of the early mission of Methodism — namely, 
that of the Dairyman' s Daughter, This occurred about the 
year 1795, Southampton, on this wise: — Her name was 
Elizabeth Wallbridge, the story of whose simple but earnest 
piety has been diffused through the world by the beautiful 
tract of Leigh Richmond, She was a native of the Isle of 
Wight, and at the time of her conversion she was in the service 
of Mr. Rolstone, a gentleman resident in Southampton, 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



279 



There were two other female servants ^^'ith her, and Robert 
Taylor, who was a ]\Iethodist. Elizabeth was proud, vain, and 
particularly fond of dress. Her brother resided on the island. 
He had been brought to God, and joined the Methodists. Ke 
to Elizabeth, and besought her to give her heart to God. 
She appeared to entertain a great prejudice against the ]\Ietho- 
dists. Robert Taylor came in one day, and said, '']Maids, "\will 
you go this evening and hear preaching in the Methodist 
chapel? ]\Ir. Crabbe, the missionary from the Isle of Wight, 
is to preach. I think you would like him." Elizabeth was 
silent for a time, but soon curiosity began to work. She 
had just purchased a new gown, and now a fine opportunity 
presented itself to exhibit it ; besides, she would like to know 
something about these people her brother had joined. She 
and one of her companions attended. Mr. Crabbe selected 
for his text, "Be clothed with humility." It bore hard upon 
poor Elizabeth, but still they resolved to attend again. They 
liked the preacher the next time. }>Ir. Crabbe preached from 
Who art thou, O great mountain ? before Zerubbabel thou 
shalt become a plain," &c. (Zech. iv. 7.) Elizabeth felt the 
arrow — that although her sin of pride was like a mountain, it 
would give way before the Prince of Peace, who says, Learn 
of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart." The mountain 
fioAved down. She returned home deeply convinced. The 
finery fled. Foolish talking ceased She earnestly sought, and 
soon realized the pardoning love of God shed abroad in her 
heart. She immediately joined the ]\Iethodist society. About 
a year after this her health failed, and she returned to her 
parents. Again she rallied, and went to reside in a ]\Iethodist 
family at West Cowes, but at length was confined to her father's 
cottage, where ^Ir. Richmorid found her, and ministered much 
religious consolation to this dying saint. Her ^^vlethodist 
friends, however, were her constant companions : they sur- 
rounded her dying bed, and follovv-ed her remains to the grave* 



28o 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



The remarkably decent-looking woman, of whom ]\Ir. Richmond 
speaks, was Mrs. Prangnell, Elizabeth's class leader ; whether 
Leigh Richmond knew all about Elizabeth being a Methodist 
cannot now be ascertained, but, most assuredly, he was greatly 
mistaken about the instmment of her conversion. It may be 
that he did not know that any of the Wesleyan ministers were 
called missionaries, but the one stationed at the Isle of Wight 
was regarded in that light. Mr. Crabbe asked !Mr. Richmxond 
one day, did he know who it was whom Elizabeth heard first. 
The other said, No ; but I suppose it was under a missionar}^ 
who was going abroad. I think it must have been ]\Ir. T^Iarsden." 
" I said no more," said Mr. Crabbe, " only rejoiced that God 
had converted her." Let it be so now, the day shall declare it 
All rejoice that the pious and amiable subject of the tract, 
of which more than four millions of copies have been circu- 
lated, and which, it is said, has been the means of converting 
three hundred and fifty persons, was the direct fruit of Metho- 
dist preaching in the bricklayer s loft in Southampton.' 

We will record another instance, which occun-ed in a different 
sphere in life in Ireland. It is taken from the manuscripts of 
the late Rev. Mr. Ferguson : — 

' Mrs. Slacke, the lady of a gentleman of station and pro- 
perty, residing in Annadale, County Leitrim, Ireland, being on 
a visit to Dublin, took lodgings at a respectable bookseller's, 
whose two apprentices were ]vIethodists. These young men 
slept in one room, and it was their constant practice, before 
retiring, to read a portion of God's Word and pray together. 
Another apprentice in the house was generally with them on 
those occasions. This room was immediately above ^Irs. 
Slacke's apartments, and she frequently heard sounds, which 
for some time she could not understand. Prompted by 
curiosity, she went quietly upstairs, and listened at the room 
door. She was much impressed at first with the novelty of the 
thing. Her heart became deeply affected, and she was led to 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



281 



repeat her visits. She was a lady of accompHshed manners, 
and had mixed in the most fashionable society ; but she now 
discovered there was something in religion to make the soul 
happy, and which she had not experienced. She ventured to 
hear preaching at Whitefriar Street, and on her return home, 
resolved to exert her influence to introduce Methodism into 
her family. Fully aware of her husband's high church princi- 
ples, she proceeded with great caution. She induced Mr. 
Slacke to invite Mr. Creighton, a pious clergyman, to preach 
in Annadale j he did so, and promised to come again. Mr. 
Creighton being very friendly with Andrew Blair, the Methodist 
preacher at Sligo, engaged him to accompany him on his next 
visit. They came, and Mr. Creighton preached in the morning ; 
after which he asked Mr. Slacke if he had any objection to 
hear a Methodist preacher in the evening. "Where is he?" 
said Mr. Slacke. Then Mr. Blair was introduced. ''What I 
that boy a preacher?" Mr. Blair, who possessed more than 
ordinary ministerial talent, delivered an impressive sermon, 
which was blessed to Mr. Slacke and his family; from that 
period Annadale became the home of the preachers. In the 
year 1795 she became delicate. One evening she retired, as 
usual, for reading and prayer ; but not coming down stairs at 
the accustomed time, one of the family went to ascertain the 
cause, when she was found on her knees in the attitude of 
prayer, but her spirit had entered into " the joy of her Lord." ' 
A similar circumstance took place with the devoted and never- 
to-be-forgotten Mrs. Whittaker, of Sligo. We deeply regret 
that her memory is not handed down in a tangible form. We 
scarcely ever knew a more highly talented Christian lady so sanc- 
tified for the Master's service. Oh, what a blessing was she in 
Sligo at the time of the first cholera, in 1832, and at a subse- 
quent visitation likewise. She stood fast, when nearly all fled 
She was the fruit of the general mission. In early life the 
gayest of the gay. But after her conversion a pattern of 



282 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM. 



neatness, truly and genmnely ornamented with ' a meek and 
quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.' 

It is to Mrs. Slacke, no doubt, that Mr. Graham refers, when 
at the time he was so earnestly seeking the blessing of a 
' clean heart;' and the morning alluded to, when he found that 
prize, is most likely the one mentioned in the following 
paragraph""^ : — 

' I heard of a pious and respectable female about thirty miles 
distant, who continually lived in the enjoyment of this great 
blessing. I resolved on visiting her, and conversing mth her 
on the subject, hoping I might be encouraged in the pursuit of 
its attainment; accordingly, I rode off, and stopped the first night 
on the way with a friend, and preached. In the morning, just 
as I arose, the Lord visited me in a most remarkable manner, 
and forcibly impressed my mind with the 103rd Psalm, and 
2nd verse. This was heaven on earth ; and in this spirit I went 
on to see this lady ; but when I arrived and told the object of 
my visit, how was I surprised to find that she lost the sweet 
sense of that hallowed blessing, and her mind was greatly 
clouded. If God had not met me before I met her, I should 
be miserably disappointed. Surely — 

' God moves in a mysterious way, 
His wonders to perform." 

Our meeting was made a blessing to her; for, although the 
evidence of the blessing, purity of heart, was gone, she again 
took courage, and I trust she will have cause to bless God 
through all eternity for my visit to her. She was fully restored, 
and truly our fellowship was with the Father, and with His 
Son, Jesus Christe' 



See page 29. 



XXVI. 



Ireland's evangelization. 

* O land of my fathers ! when wilt thou arise 

From the slumber of death which has bound thee 
From the mist of delusion long shrouding thine eyes 

While thy children are weeping around thee ? 
O sweet harp of Erin ! when wilt thou awake 

By the side of some life-giving fountain ? 
Oh, when shall the peals of thy melody break, 

To gladden each valley and mountain ? 

Oh, soon, very soon, thy day-star shall shine, 

And soften thy night into morning ; 
Thy tears shall then sparkle with radiance divine, 

Like dew-drops the landscape adorning. 
Yes, dearly loved Erin, the bosoms that mourn, 

Again shall with rapture behold thee ; 
And the Lord, who averted His face, shall return — ■ 

With the blaze of His presence enfold thee. 

Though the thorn and briar of error and feud 

Have tortured for ages thy story. 
Ere long, by the truth shall thy vales be subdued^ 

And burst forth in millennial glory. 
Then the story of peace, in the spirit of song. 

Shall swell the devotions of heaven ; 
And roll the full tide of her harpings along, 

When washed, and renewed, and forgiven.' 



CHAPTER XXVL 



CONCLUSION — THE GENERAL MISSION. 

N bringing this unpretending volume to a close, the 
writer humbly hopes that the expectations which he 
led his readers to indulge with regard to the his- 
torical and incidental character of the materials of which it 
is composed, have been in some measure realized. The special 
providence of God, which runs through the whole of Mr. 
Graham's history, verifies the two following Scripture decla- 
rations : — ' The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord ; ' 
and, ' Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee 
the desires of thine heart.' 

We will now glance at the history and future prospects of the 
General Mission. As to the past, we may truly say, ' The half 
has not been told,' nor will the full volume of its records be 
opened until the day of eternity. Its utility, however, has 
been fully established as a means of spreading Divine truth 
throughout the length and breadth of this benighted country. 
Had it been continued and carried on with the same vigom", 
and without intermission, as in its earlier days, it is hard to say 
what would have been the results. In looking over the dates, 
it v/ill be seen that it is now seventy years since its commence- 
ment. Only thirty of these were occupied by men appointed 
to what we may call ^ The General Mission proper.' During 
the other forty we had missions, but they were limited to 
certain localities, and had all the responsibilities of Church 




THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



285 



organization — ministerial, pastoral, and financial — to fill. For 
many years, during the latter period of Mr. Ouseley's life, he 
was the only general missionary in Ireland. ' He assumed,' 
said Dr. Hoole, Hhe apostolate of all Ireland.' Seven years after 
his death it was resumed for a year, by the appointment of two 
of our ministers for the South of Ireland — ^just at the time of 
the famine, 1846 — and God greatly blessed and owned their 
united labours, as He generally does when w^e take His owfi 
method of sending them out, ^two and two, before His face,' — 
proving that 

' Work, divided aptly, shorter gi'ows.' 

The English Minutes for the following year (1847) have 
these observations in reference to their labours. In answer to 
the Irish Address it is said : — ' While itinerant friars, in some 
parts of the world, conduct their missions in squares and 
market-places, and on the high roads, with ostentatious zeal, 
and thereby work on the passions of the people, and sustain 
their cause, it cannot be thought unbecoming that you should 
solemnize your missions throughout neglected districts as our 
fathers did. Gird on your armour, and hasten to engage in 
this holy and peaceful warfare, and God will preserve you from 
every evil.' 

In fact, Methodism can only exist on the aggressive prin- 
ciple, as was stated a year or two ago in the English answer to 
the Iri^h Address, on the appointment of the writer and the 
Rev. J. Wilson to the general mission — ' In order to gather in, 
we must first go out.' There are difficulties still, there have been 
difficulties, and there will be difficulties, very likely for many 
years to comxC. But, as in mathematics difficulties are of no 
weight against demonstrations, so it is here. The carnal mind 
is the same now as ever, but, as Graham said of Mallow, ' The 
deeper sunk, the greater need to rise.' What we want to pre- 
pare men for this work is the baptism of fire. In the year 1851 



286 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



the writer was appointed to this hallowed enterprise, and was 
shortly after joined by Messrs. Hewitt, and Samuel Johnston 
for a few years. The latter fell in harness, but fell triumphantly, 
to die no more. The work was then suspended until the Con- 
ference of 1865, which was held in Cork, when the providence 
of God seemed to smile and favour it again. The Lord laid 
this agency on the heart of an Irish lay gentleman, now in 
England. He offered to give the Irish Conference ^100 
a year for four years, if it appointed two men who were total 
abstainers to the work of the general mission. The Conference 
complied with the request, not stopping to inquire into the 
habits of the men in reference to drink, not wishing to infringe 
on the rights of liberty of action ; but it so happened that the 
choice fell on two rigid abstainers from alcoholic liquors. The 
key-note thus struck called forth other generous responses — 
such as a handsome annual offering from the Rev. Dr. Butler, 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church of America, w^ho was just 
then returning from India, after establishing a very prosperous 
mission there, and with spoils of victory, of which neither 
Lord Clive nor Lord Clyde could ever boast. Bishop Janes, 
of America, was also at that Conference, and the ever-to-be- 
lamented Draper, from Australia, who shortly after met with a 
watery grave by the loss of The London steamer. All advo- 
cated the re-establishment of the mission, and we would hope 
the results justify the Conference in so doing. 

The Rev. Charles Prest, from England, stated that all his 
domestic happiness might be traced to the Irish general mis- 
sion, inasmuch as it was under the ministry of the Rev. Gideon 
Ouseley that his sister-in-law was converted to God, who, in 
turn, brought his good wife to an acquaintance with the truth 
when young. Tt>^o of us were then appointed for north and 
v/est Last year another was added to our ranks, and, we trust 
in the Lord, a fourth mil be sent out with us next year. 
All thanks to the Methodist Episcopal Church of the 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



287 



United States for their liberal help towards this, as well 
as towards many other Irish objects, not forgetting their aid 
towards the splendid Methodist college in Belfast, which has 
just been opened. That there is as great a necessity now, 
if not greater than ever, for some more enlarged aggressive 
movement, must be patent to any one who seriously looks at 
the signs of the times. Satan rages ; errors abound ; Churches 
are convulsed ; and the nation itself seems to upheave with 
the dread of events which loom in the distance, and cast their 
shadows so very palpably before them. In fact ' men's hearts 
are failing them for fear;' but it is to the moral aspect 
of affairs especially we Avould direct special attention. The 
morals of our country are bad. Witness the Sabbath-breaking, 
the profanity in regard to svv^earing, the lying, the drunkenness, 
and blood touching blood. ' Shall not my soul be avenged on 
such a na.tion as this, saith the Lord?' And still more, the 
solemn question, in regard to the responsibility of both the 
Church and the State — ' Who will rise up for me against the 
workers of iniquity?' Was there ever such a time for the 
Church of the living God to rush ' between the living and the 
dead?' Most assuredly, we deserve wTath. The simplest 
principles of morality are trifled with. Some declare that, to 
steal small things is no sin at all ; and that, to tell an official 

I or 2. jesting lie, is a trifle ; and that, to break the Sabbath day, 
in case of apparent necessity, such as saving crops, when 
danger from bad weather is apprehended, is a virtue. This 
was awfully the case on last Lord's day (August i6th, 1868), 
at least in many places. And as it regards vital piety, or its 
antecedents, such as genuine repentance and saving faith, they 
are in general out of the question. It is to be deplored, that 
natural feeli?ig, and artificial and temporary refonnation, or 
momentary excitement, are the fallacious substitutes for those 
' graces ; and, no w^onder, where the Holy Ghost is neither sought 

|l nor scripturally preached. There may indeed be a temporar}^ 



28S 



excitemer: ~ r:-'. : : : : zv - 

tomients o: i:r r:L'_-:::7 : ' : 

fear that, after all, even t:vls is : 
fiesk' The sensa-;:-. ■ : \ - - 



dism has done, and :^ _ : : 7 :.zs- 

tioned. It has its : :' _ /. ./.t . t.~ dr^ .;. :'. 

and its tens of tl: : . ~ ; :^ ^ ; : : ■ . : 7 _ : z. d t ; : t / - I : ;. r 
also a large nur.d: 7: r rd-ir";::". _ "d ■..::7rs; 

and it may be safely s:: :7 d : 7: _ . more 

able or temper:,:r d 7- / : : i thai: 

its efibrts, as f;.: ; ^ : /_ 7 . - 7 ^ ; : 7 ; : / : 7 : . , 7 - : : casual 
than direct Ad : 1: d :: .:: d 7:^ 7 7 7 : : 7 diss 

of the I.:. iTrfr::. ::7 I::/ - 7di ^ ■ 

of the ^ I]:-:.::.:-:::. - 7 ;:7 ;d::-^ :.::ir :: 

this subiect is grai t i h speedily, and a suitable agmcy 
raised up, the prese : : ^hom the language is ver- 

nacular. YTill be d/.r 7:::.-:sively Irish-speaking peoj^e 

are, accor d : dr : r 51s. 155.000. and those who speak 

both Enghsh a~ i I: id/.. ::: z , :: all the lattex^ it is 

vernacular, as 7 /. : 5 :: :/.7 : 7: diit^r ihink in Irish, and 
would prefer s;: t 7 ■ : : d And who that knows 

the p:"-t: ■::.:-^:5 ^:.::r:.:^7, "- y.di wish it to be 

extingii^dri. I: is tv:/ -// feeling, and 

of the hear- J:: in5::.:;:t. •■d-.tr. d/.f :::d rdrms of tflie 
English language, —t ~- : i :r.t:-7/- 7:: ::7f5 .-. " edrzie. in the 
native Irish the gret::.:-.r " • : i f. A^i r.d'.r d.di:. ::i:h." — 
an hujidred ihci. d "d ; , :: ; : _ This 

may be regarded as hi.-:r:': d:::d ::-7 :7:: di7i:o 

it, and the manner "\v:d; rti^Trid"" 77d-'7:7: ".;'"7 :ji 

influence on an Ins iiziai. s ■;7':: : d:7: d:_d:!; : vlA 

never conve};^ When an E~ ^li^.^ \l-,\:.zz z\:^.zz^z^ :.\z did ii~e 
of her fondness for her child, it is ^ My little de:.-.' In: -ii '^ 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



289 



far short does this fall of the expression of an Irish mother to 
her offspring. She calls it a ciishla 7?io chree — the vein, the 
pulse, the beating voice of my heart. Any one can appreciate 
and admire this — a mother only can feel it. It is equally expres- 
sive in theolog}". For instance, the word 'reconciliation' signifies 
second frieiidsJiip : the word ' atonement ' signifies the sam.e. 
An English reader has the idea of sacrifice attached to it, but 
it really means the friendship resulting firom the sacrifice, or, 
as it has been expressed, At onement. The attachment of the 
Irish to their own language was frequently proved in successfully 
quelling a mob. At one time, in Clonmel, a rabble of blood- 
thirsty men rushed into the ^Jethodist chapel, at the time of 
holding an anniversar}^ missionary meeting, while the Rev. Philip 
Gan'ett, the English deputation, was speaking. They interrupted 
him ^\Tth all the signs of hostilitv' and ever}^ appearance of 
murder, until the Rev. John Feely, who was at the meeting, rose 
and appealed to them in Irish, in such afiectionate and pov\-erful 
strains as completely disarmed them. Vv'e had this firom his ov>tl 
lips. 

He mentioned part of the address which he gave them. It was 
something like the folloT\-ing : — * O my friends, my countr}-men, 
my kinsmen — this gentleman is a stranger, but he has a message 
of love in his heart to you. I vrould be ashamed of you if you 
would treat a stranger, a Christian, and a gentleman so rudely. 
You would only disgrace your countr}- by so doing. Our 
countT}' is always kind to strangers,' &:c. In this way he com- 
pletely subdued them, and they left the house quietly, applaud- 
ing him. We believe he vrent on his knees vrhile address- 
ing them. We may imagine the Englishman's perturbation, 
surrounded by the rabble shout and uproarious yells of an Irish 
mob. In vain he strove to pacify them even in his broad 
Yorkshire tones, vrhich could at best only touch their ears : 
but the Irish touched their hearts. They are also as remark- 
able for their ready wit as for their attachment to their language. 

T 



290 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GR_\HAM, 

It is stated of one, who sent his children to an Irish school to 
learn the language, that he was forbidden, on pain of being 
denied the rites of his church on his death-bed if he perse- 
vered. *Well, well, your Reverence,' said Pat, 4t's a hard 
enough case, to be sure, but plase (please) God, I '11 just try to 
outlive you.' When the Rev. Elijah Hoole was superintendent 
of the Irish Mission schools in this country, he contemplated 
the translation of the Wesleyan Catechisms into the Irish lan- 
guage, but, no doubt, his short stay among us prevented him 
from carrying out his purpose. He \^TOte a very valuable 
letter on the subject of our young ministers cultivating a know- 
ledge of the language. In it he says — ^ If, in the course of 
Divine providence, the people should throw off their yoke, 
would it not be of importance to have men prepared, by a 
knowledge of their tongue, to take them by the hand, and 
guide them to a purer worship and a holier faith. Some of the 
younger preachers might be assisted and directed to turn their 
attention to that tongue ; and if a deeper feeling and a more 
lively interest be awakened on the subject, and more prayer 
offered up, fruit may be expected in this, as in other depart- 
ments of evangelical labour, in the conversion and salvation of 
this interesting people.' There were then two millions who 
spoke the language. The population v/as at least seven 
millions. One million has passed away — we may say a gene- 
ration — since he wrote that letter. It will be found in the 
February number of the Magazine for the year 1834, now 
nearly thirty-five years ago. The writer was then stationed on 
the Boyle circuit, and in answer to a communication which he 
wrote to the Doctor on the subject of his letter, he had a kind, 
and an immediate reply, of which the following is an extract: — 

'Limerick, %th March 1834. 
'My dear Brother, — I shall be truly thankful if the few remarks I 
sent to the Magazine should induce you and others of our brethren to 
qualify themselves for usefulness among the Irish. Surely we ought to do 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



291 



something for them ; and m what way did we ever exert ourselves for God 
and fail to gain His blessing? I am persuaded that it would be regarded 
by the Conference as much to your credit, and worthy of imitation, if you 
could state that you had read such and such portions of the Scriptures in 
Irish, and that you were improving yourself in that means of usefulness. 
May God bless you, and make you a more extensive blessing. 

' Yours affectionately, 

'E. HOOLE.'* 

This made a deep impression on the author's heart, and he never 
rested until he could at least read a little, speak a little, and sing a 
little, in that sweet tongue ; and, thank God, many an Irishman 
has since heard, in his own language, ^ the wonderful works of 
God,' especially those of redeeming love and saving grace. 
The writer records, with gratitude, the kindness and anxiety of 
the Conference, in granting him, some years after the above 
letter was written, a few months for closer application to 
the better cultivation of the language, v\^hich, at a late period of 
life, is not easily acquired. Bishop Bedell was, however, sixty 
years of age when he acquired a knowledge of it. A little know- 
ledge of it serves greatly, if it only proved to the Irish that we 
sympathize with them in their national predilections. We may 
say, also, that the Oughterard mission rose out of this desire to 
become better acquainted with that language ; in that district it 
is spoken freely. An Irish class is formed there, and the m.aster 
paid by the Rev. William Arthur. How delighted would the 
writer be if in the Belfast College this subject were taken up, 
and some of the young men encouraged to cultivate a know- 
ledge and love for the Irish tongue ! If the observations, 

* The author takes this opportunity of expressing his many obligations to 
the writer of the above letter, the privilege of whose friendship he has had 
for nearly forty years. To him he is indebted for several of Mr. Graham's 
letters inserted in this volume, but never published before. The Doctor 
has proved himself to be an unwavering friend of Ireland, and he will have, as 
he has had, a sincere and warm interest in prayerful remembrance, that he 
may be long spared to the Church of God, especially to its missionary 
departments. 



292 



THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 



as recorded in the Wesleyan missionary notices for the year 
1852, on the subject of the Irish College in Balhnasloe for 
the sons of the clergy who vrished to learn that language, 
and what was therein stated, in reference to a Methodist 
college, had even remotely anything to do with our present 
one in Belfast, the writer would rejoice greatly. But he does 
hope and pray that it may contribute its share, at least, in 
spreading to some extent the knowledge of the truth, in the 
native tongue, among a large portion of our countrymen. Novr 
is our time for increased action in this and every department, 
but in this especialhr. God can still give the spirit of utter- 
ance, and of martyrdom, too, if necessar}\ Duty is ours j 
events belong to God. How far the present distracted state of 
the land may be attributed to the want of fidelity and zeal on 
the part of the Church of Christ, is only fully known to God. 
But let us, as AVesleyan ministers, more than ever, sustain the 
character given us in what is technically called ' The Liverpool 
Minutes' — ' Home ^Missionaries.' 

Vre cannot improve on our venerable founder's recommen- 
dation. ^ First,' said he, 'our call is to save that which is lost' 
Novr, Vv'e cannot expect them to seek us, therefore we should go 
and seek them. Secondly, because we are particularly called by 
going into the highways and hedges, which none else will do 
(query now ?), to compel them to come in. Thirdly, because that 
reason against it is not good, ' the house vrill hold all that come.' 
The house may hold all that come to the house, but not all that 
would come to the field. Whenever the weather vnll permit, go 
out, in God's name, into the most public places, and call on all to 
repent and "believe the Gospel, ever}^ Sunday, especially where 
there are old societies, lest they settle upon their lees. The 
stewards will oppose, lest they should lose their usual collec- 
tions [and nov^', lest they should lose their custom also]. 'But' 
says that apostolic man of God, ' shall we barter souls for 
money?' 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



Doctor Chalmers well stated, that the Church which had 
not the great ' go ' in it, was no Church at all j and again 
he observes — ' He who wins a soul to Christ, ranks higher on 
the roll of human benencence than he who unshackles a king- 
dom from thraldom.' Doctor Coke called the Irish general 
mission 'the noblest and most important charity.' 'The 
whole empire,' said he, ' is concerned, even in a political point 
of view, in its success.' We want, just novv^, another band of 
men like the missionary band of the year 1799, whose hearts 
the Lord may touch with the hallowed ' tongue of fire ; ' and the 
power of comdncing speech can be given again in ansvv'er to 
prayer, as well as that recorded in Acts iv. 29-30 — ' And now, 
Lord, . . . grant unto Thy serv^ants, that with all boldness they 
may speak Thy word; and that signs and wonders may be done 
by the name of Thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, 
the place was shaken where they were assembled together ; 
and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake 
the word of God with boldness.' We have the samxC access to 
the throne of grace as they had. j^-iay the Spirit of grace be 
speedily and abundantly vouchsafed. Then we may expect men 
to be raised up who shall take the Word of life in one 
hand, and natural life in the other, and go forth ever}'^vhere 
preaching ' Christ and Him crucified ' — men whose motto will 
be that written on the ingenious device selected by an American 
missionary society — an altar on one side, and a plough on the 
other, with an ox in the middle, and the words of the motto 
underneath, 'Ready for either,' either to suffer or to serve. 
Let us have two such men of this stamp for each province in 
Ireland for some few years to come, and, with the blessing 
of God, we shall soon sing as they did in olden time — 

* Jesu's love the nations fires, 
Sets the kingdoms on a blaze,' 

Something ot great importance is in store for this country, and 



2 94 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAHAM, 

for us as a Church that suffered so much, laboured so long, 
and waited so patiently in the Lord's vineyard. Who can 
tell, but from our new College, opened yesterday in Belfast, 
August 19th, 1868, and under ver}' auspicious circumstances, 
w^ill come forth the very men required for the times as flames 
of heavenly fire, and in the spirit of self-consecration and 
sacrifice, singing as they go, the language of the immortal 
bard of Methodism — 

' Tn a rapture of joy, my life I employ, 
The God of my life to proclaim. ; 
' Tis worth Kving for this, to administer bliss 
And salvation in Jesus' name. ' 

Oh, that I could speak to my fathers and brethren in the 
ministry, and to all the Churches throughout the land, I would 
in all plainness and fidelity ask. Are not the signs of the 
times perilous as well as hopeful ? And vrhile cheered by the 
latter, should we not, like one of old, be ' moved ' by the former, 
with ^ godly' fear, not only to the saving of ourselves and house- 
holds, but also to the saving of the nation at large in which we 
live. There seems to be a respite of delay, as if to give 
us the opportunity of 'warning the ungodly of all their 
evil deeds,' and at the same time of directing them to the only 
ark of safety, from a flood more tenific in its elements 
than that v/hich once swept the world round. Oh, what a time 
for immediate action on some large scale, worthy of ourselves 
and of our country. Let us claim it for Christ, whose right it is to 
reign. Let all our literary institutions, let all our prayerful and 
financial appliances, be brought to bear upon this one object — 
The co7ive7'sio?i of L^eland. If this can be accomplished, the 
world's conversion Avill the more speedily follow, for its influ- 
ence is w^orld-wide. And what is to hinder, but unbelief and 
indecision? Let us, in the Lord's name, be up and doing, while 
we have such a promise, — 'Lo 1 I am with you ahua)\' &c. And, if 



THE APOSTLE OF KERRY. 



we have not mistaken the genius of the Gospel, the command 
of the Saviour — the spirit and pohcy of the Church to which 
we belong — the purity of her faith — the harmony of her princi- 
ples, and the mutual confidence of her lay and clerical members, 
as well the character of her resources, — may we not reason- 
ably and scripturally hope for better days to dawn on this ' our 
own, our native land ? ' Who would hesitate or delay, if they 
thought thereby that millions would be excluded from the 
kingdom of glory and of God who might otherwise be there ? 
and how solemn the thought, that millions have passed away, 
even from our own country, unwarned and unwept, and millions 
more are swelling the legion roll of mortality, and appearing 
constantly before a holy God, constrained to exclaim, ' No man 
cared for our souls !' A generation has passed away since the 
faithful Ouseleyused to cry with weeping, and in pathetic tones, 
' Oh ! my country, my beloved country; my ruined, my unhappy 
country !' And a generation and a half gone since Graham's 
voice, sweet as the music of the spheres, used to proclaim, 
*And Ireland shall be free!' Here was patriotism of the 
purest and noblest quality, in comparison with which all the 
pseudo professions of nationality by demagogues sink into 
nothingness. And we, too, are passing away. Shall the work 
cease ? If we ' come not to the help of the Lord, to the help 
of the Lord against the mighty,' others will. But God seems 
to lay His burden at our door. If so, let us not only 
do it, and do it well, but let us transmit it also to hearts 
in which it shall be faithfully and affectionately embalmed, 
to hands by which it shall be steadily prosecuted, and 
it may be that for them, if not for us, the privilege and 
the honour are reserved of rejoicing over our country ran- 
somed from error and from sin; and if we are faithful, 
we shall be permitted to hear the hallelujah chorus swelling 
up before the throne — ' The kingdoms of this world are become 
the kingdoms of our God, and of His Christ' Then the din 



296 THE LIFE OF THE REV. C. GRAUAZ-l. 

of carnal weapons, the tumult of deadly battle, the strifes, the 
discords, and the feuds of earth, shall all retreat to their native 
hell, and the hymn of angels, * Glor}^ to God in the highest and 
on eardi peace and good wiU towards men,' shall again be 
sung, and responded to b}^ a regenerated earth.' ' Now is come 
salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the 
power of His Clirist' (Rev. xii. 10). ' The great trumpet shall 
be blown, and they that were ready to perish shall eome;' the 
banner of truth ^nd ^ictoiy shall be unfurled ; the nations shall 
gather and press into the Gospel kingdom : and the shout of 
universal triumph sh?il be heard * from the rivers unto the ends 
of the earth.' Thus standing high on the mount of prediction, 
and on the vantage ground of eternal truth, and in *the full 
assurance of hope.' we may look along the vista of the future 
to a glorious day of millennial freedom for Ireland, yea, and for 
all the world. ^ By faidi we already behold that lovely Jerusalem 
here' — 

* Then ever}- heart shall be a Saviour's throne. 
And eveiy land ]\Iessiah's sway shall c vn: ; 
Then from all nations, hymns to heaven shall rise, 
And earth shall join the chorus of the skies — 

^'HaUelujahl the Lord God cin:iipc:e- rei-nedi : ' " ' 



i 



APPENDICES. 



IRISH HYMN, WITH TRANSLATION. 

The following is one of those Irish hymns to which Dr. Steevens so 
touchingly refers, as producing the most thrilling effects on the Irish 
people. It is Common Measure, and may be -sung to the tune called 
* Martyrdom.' The writer has translated it as literally as he possibly 
could, but he must depart from the correct orthography, for the sake of 
coming as near as possible to the Irish pronounciation : — 



IRISH. 

Oh, thaw mo chree dorough a throm, 

Is sconroo an mo lawr, 
Mor thaw an bans eg dhrid a lum, 

Is bye me fose er clawr. 

Augh fose nee foor, an bans an chad, 

Dho liggoo unsa grey. 
O yia, mo yia humpium lath. 

Dheean throughey 'sauwall me. 

Oh, 'sagam fein, thaw'n thauwor more, 

N a doriv shil go throm ; 
Mur is packhough, kinthough donna me, 

Is an thiriought foddoo rome. 

Oh, dulling thoo er cron na paush, 
An bans gach packhough boghth. 

Oh, feagh an-ish le throkore, 
Agus mauhoo mo hillia loghth. 



Oh, thuan ag dhia, an dthulling thuan, 
An thuan er cron na paish : 

An thuan fuar bans eg dthiree a-risth, 
Eg denoo urny* me. 



TRANSLATION. 

Oh, 'tis my heart that's weigh'd with gloom; 

Within, terrific fear. 
And death, to lay me on the board, 

Is swiftly drawing near 

But, as full power he has not yet 

To lay me in the clay. 
O God, my God, to Thee I '11 turn : 

Save, pity me, I pray. 

Just cause have I, and truly great, 

To shed the heaviest tears ; 
I 'm sinful, guilty, and undone, 

In view of boundless years. 

O Thou who didst for sinners die, 

A victim on the tree, 
Look now in mercy, and forgive 

My faults beyond degree. 



O Lamb of God, the sufif 'ring Lamb, 
The Lamb on the passion tree : 

The Lamb that was slain, is risen again 
To intercede for me. 



* Literally, to make prayer for me. 



APPENDICES. 



APPENDIX A. 

SERMON. 

CONDENSED specimen of Mr. Graham's mode 
of sermonizing will here be given ; and, we must say, 
one of the plainest of his written sketches, of which he 
wrote perhaps not less than five hundred in a distinct hand. 

Text — Luke xi. 21, 22. 

^When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods 
are in peace : but when a stronger than he shall come upon 
him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour 
wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.' 

[Here we must remark that he seldom spent more than a 
minute or two on the introduction of his subject, but entered 
immediately on the discussion of it: his great object was to 
deliver ' the message' contained therein.] 

Division I. The strong man armed j II. The palace in 
which he rules ; III. The armour in which he trusts ; and IV. 
Who the stronger is, and his victory. 

I. The strong man armed. — Doubtless this is the being whom 
St. Paul calls ' the god of this world,' ' the prince of the power of 
the air,' — the leader of the rebel ' angels, who kept not their first 



300 



APPENDICES. 



estate, but left their o^sn habitation, and are now resen-ed in 
everlasting chains of darkness unto the judgment of the gTeat 
day.' As to the strength of this fallen spirit, we find he had con- 
fidence that he would overcome ]\Iichael and his angels. Hence 
it is said he fought ^with them, ' but prevailed not, neither was 
his place found any more in heaven.' But we learn that he has 
great povrer on earth, even over the sons and daughters of men, 
for he is said ' to mle in the hearts of the children of disobe- 
dience.' AVe find also, in the c?.-e of Job. what strength he pos- 
sessed. He commanded the c-cittcnts of fire and ^\ind, and called 
the Sab cans, and appointed them their work of destmction, 
sparing neither propert}-. seiwants, nor children. Xo wonder they 
are called • Principalities and powers, and spiritual T\-ickedness 
in high places.' But we not only see their st?'ength^ but their 
hatred as Vv ell. Satan smote Job •^rith sore boils, fi-om the sole 
of his foot to his cro^m ; ' and. haraig stripped him of all earthly 
comforts, leavino- him nothins: but a "VNicked T\ife to torment 
him — for she bids him "curse God and die.' We also see his 
power in the wrjiv-n whom our Lord cured, and who had been 
bound by Satj.n for eighteen years. ]'>Iany others were pos- 
sessed with, and tormented by him in the days of our Lord. 
His power and his vTath are so great in this world, that vrere 
it not he is restrained, he would overthrow the earth itseK. I 
doubt not but that he is at the root of all the wars, and mur- 
ders and depredations which are caiTied on in this sinful world, 
leading its children captive at his vrill : vrho are not only sold 
under sin. but have sold themselves to work viickedness in the 
sight of the Lord. need not wonder, then, that * the dark 

places of the earth are fall of the habitations of cmeln.a" Like 
Solomon's madman. • casting f:'rth larebrands, arrov-s. and 
death, and saith. Am I not in sport?' 'He blinds the eyes of 
them that beheve not. lest the light of the glorious Gospel of 
Christ should shine unto them.' 

11. The palace. — This he keeps in peace. This is the heart 



APPENDICES. 



301 



of man, which is the seat of all emotion and feeling. Here he 
dwells and works. Our Lord states — ' For out of the heart 
proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, 
false witness, blasphemy,' &c. As long as these goods remain, 
the devil has peaceable possession. There is no struggle, no 
opposition to him. He keeps his palace. But what an awful 
palace — ^ deceitful above all things and desperately wicked' — 
'An evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.' 
No wonder the warnings. ' Take heed,' and ' Take heed, 
brethren,' &c. Satan not only keeps his palace, but fills it with 
his goods — tmbelief^ pride^ ojtger^ self-will^ covetousness^ deceit, 
envy, hatred, malice, revenge, prejudice, ignorance, darkness, 
blindness, error, evil surmising, whispering, talebearing, back- 
biting, evil speaking. While all these ''goods'' remain, the house 
or palace will be at peace ; for conscience will not be allowed 
to speak or disturb the deceitful calm. ' They are not in 
trouble like other men.' 

HI, In what consists his armour V — It consists in what 
first cast himself away from God, namely, pride. His language 
was and is — ' I will ascend above the heights of the clouds ; I 
will be like the Most High' (Isaiah xiv. 14). This is a grand 
piece of his armour, which he abundantly supplies to his fol- 
lowers. It has done terrible execution. No wonder he trusts 
in it. Another piece of his armour is wrath — ' great wTath,' 
compared by Saint Peter to the ' roaring of a lion,' going about 
' seeking whom he may devour.' Another is malice — 

* He comes, with hellish malice filled, 

To scatter, tear, and slay, 
And takes up every straggling soul 
As his own lawful prey. ' 

Again, he is armed with cfivy. Having lost his own angelical 
glory which he had when one of the morning stars, ' who sang 
together,' and as one of ' the sons of God who shouted for joy,' 
he cannot but now envy his former companions their happi- 



302 



APPENDICES. 



ness. and emdes all the saints on earth also, on account of their 
love and joy, their harmony, and future hope of glory. He cannot 
be changed from being ^ an adversary' and ' an accuser of the 
brethren.' With this annour, and ^^ith the 3.ho\c goods ^ he has 
little trouble in reigning in the palace of the human heart But 
he vriil ji?ially despise those over whom he now domineers, and 
when he secures their etenial perdition he may well be regarded 
as saying to his once ^vllling slaves and subjects thus — 

* Our envy once, ye are now become our scom; 
In vain for you the Son of God was bom ; 
That might}^ favour, that peculiar grace. 
Too glorious for our fallen angelic race, 
Ser%^e5 only to exasperate your doom, 
And gives the infernal shades a darker gloom. ' 

IV, V\lio is ' the sironge?-' than the strong man armed? and 
how does i^.e conquer? This is none other than He to whom, 
as I\Iediator. ' all pc e: " eaven and in earth is given' — 'the 
seed of the woman,' and the serpent bruiser — ' He who was 
manifested to destroy the works of the de^iL' ' Thou hast led 
capti^ity^ captive.' * He must j-eign until all His enemies are 
put under His feet.' ' He is exalted a Prince and a Saviour.' 

'He cc-: -e:e;; '-lien He fell. 
And a: 11:^ i^::.:':;: irheels 
Dragged all the powers of hell.' 

' He came upon him' when He dispossessed the legion, and 
when He cast out the seven de^dls out of iMaiy Magdalene, and 
loosened the d: : g ittri : : A : :?Jiam. and healed the daughter of the 



Canaanitish woman, and the nobleman's son. And Yit overcame 

h-'K -^i:e:i He " is seeit ::iiing from heavc:: iide iirittning, and 
itc t. adcr Hi^ tcsirrectiin. He gave His di :i irs ^ower over 
devils and unclean spirits.' and investe:; td-::t -:^dth 'armour 
which pulled do^m some of the stronge-t d : i : : d : ':::e5-. such 
as Gentile vanit}' and Jewish oppositi:::. : d-in.i:: ail into 
captivity to the obedience of Clirisi. Titry vere "to mm 



APPENDICES. 



men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto 
God,' &c. This was ''taking his armour fro77i him,'' wherein he 
trusted. And now to ''divide the spoils.' That is, Christ 
divides or scattei^s the spoils of Satan. This He does when He 
scatters the darkness by introducing light — co?ivinci?ig the spell- 
bound conscience of its guilt, and breaking the power of sin by 
the converti?ig grace of God, and thus destroys the very roots 
of sin altogether by the sanctifying power of the Spirit. The 
cursing, swearing devil is cast out ; the proud and a?ig?y devHi?> 
dismissed ; the lying and cheating devil banished ; the unclean 
and lustful devil exterminated. And thus the spoils on which 
the devil revelled are divided — completely scattered. The 
heart, once the hold of ever}- hateful and unclean bird, is 
become the habitation of God through the Spirit, and all the 
powers of body and mind are become servants of righteousness 
unto God — yea, the believer ^ serves God now in holiness and 
righteousness before Him all the days of his life.' Once ' the 
servant of sin, now the serv'ant of God, having his fruit unto 
holiness, and the end everlasting life : ' and in fact that former 
palace of Satan is now the temple of the Holy Ghost. 

Permit me now, in tne, to inquire of you — Does 'the strong 
man armed' keep your hearts ? Are his goods in peace ? Are 
you the \nlling slaves of sin ? .Ire your hearts the palaces of 
the prince of hell ? Do you bear his mark? Do you plead his 
cause? Do you wear his liver}^? Does he work in your 
hearts? Does he lead you captive at his will? Are you 
ranked among the children of pride ? Are your lives among 
the unclean? Do you company with the workers of iniquit}^ ? 
Has he put out your eyes from seeing your danger ? Has he 
hardened your hearts from dreading everlasting punishment ? 
What shall I say more to open your eyes ? What shall I do 
to alarm your fears ? God is angry with you ; heaven is 
frowning ; hell is enlarged, and moving from beneath to meet 
you at your coming; and devils are longing to have you in the 



3^4 



APPEXI 



lake of fire and brimstone. 'X:' ' : ye * r: 

God, lest I tear you in pieces, a:.:- _ r : r 

'Kiss the son lest he be angry with y: - z ' i ~ : :\\z 

(right) wa\-." •T.:::- ; ; : r ; :.v::5 

of hryr. 1::. - . : ^ ; : : : - r 

hai:~ ::' y:„: . -rav:.5. - : . ^ ... a: .a::a :':r 

ever.' 

We will dose in ]>Ir. Graham's words on another text — *There 
is help laid on ^^one that is mighty to save," and, believing on 
His name, witii an heart unto righteousness, we obtain pardon 
for all our sins, or justification through the blood of the cove- 
nant : peace witli God : power over the world and sin ; joy in 
the Holy Ghost ; an interest in all the promises of the Gospel ; 
deliverance from the fear of death and the grave, and from the 
damnation of hell: and lastly, an earnest of the inheritance 
" incoiTuptible. undeMed and that fadeth not away.*" ' 



The foUoT^ang may be apphed to the preacher of the 

abo^*e : — 

' A father s tendeiriess, a sheplaerd's care, 
A leader's conrag-e. wlio the cross can b^r ; 
A ruler's awe, a -^aidnnan's wakeful eye, 
A pHof s skill, the helm in stoims to ply. 
A fisker's patience, and a labourers toil, 
A guide's desterily to disenthral : 
A prophrTf i"f7:r^:::" :: :::: .-V :--r. 



APPENDIX B. 



THE christian's PRAYER AGAINST THE SPREAD OF ERROR, 

' Dark are the shadoTvs o'er thy children's path ; 
Dangers are near the fairest home and hearth : 
But, Lord, Thy tender love and mightv' power 
Can shield and save us in each treacherous hour, 
From err::'- rhic^c .^.r.:l ever gathering cloud, 
\Miich strive- ._-_e :r :: Thy truth to shroud ; 

From all false doctrine and dark heresy ; 
From ever}- hope that is not linked with Thee ; 
From systems that wotdc bid us place our trust 
In frail and sinful creatures of the dust ; 
From those who would in fatal thraldom bmd 
The noble powers of the immortal mind ; 
From all that would our Saviour's glory dim. 
And turn our anxious hearts from faith in Him ; 
From all prescriptions man has proudly given, 
By wliich the guilty strive to purchase heaven : 
From all these errors rife, which dim the mind. 
Deliver, Lord, lest truth we ne'er should find. 
In Thee alone, O Christ, ''The life, the truth, the way,'' 
W"e trust for guidance to the perfect day. 
Thou Triune Godhead, Father, Spirit, Son, 
From grace to grace, help us to labour on, 
And when dark tempests o'er our land shaU sweep. 
In holy confidence thy children keep. ' 



APPENDIX B, 



REMARKABLE COXVERSIOXS OF ROMAN CATHOLIC?. 

"EFOF.E we give an account of Bartley Campbell's 
con-\-ersion/ we Tsill first introduce a description of 
i the lake and the island, including the origin of its 

:.::raction. 

Thr L r'-c'^'raied Lough Derg is about two miles long, and, 
A : :a a^ irregularity, about fifteen miles in circumference. It is 
situated in the comity of Donegal From the town of Donegal 
:: is A . e nriies distant, and about three from Pettigo. A more 
Aii rrv i:ce for devotional purposes could not possibly be 
-rir Ar ring in the ceAtre of a wild and mountainous tract of 
: r r r r aa whose surrounding hills not a trace of vegetation is 
: : i^ r r rA : : a: ^Ia^ to its gloomy solemnit}-. It is well adapted 
f rr ii^ A r a r ArAlarion. The mind is excited to an obh- 
i A u Af rrldiy cares, feeling, as Selkirk describes Juan 
I rr : r i r — : a: : f humanit} 's reach.' In the lake are several 
: iiAi: :ac rr rrsorted toby Hhe pilgrims' is about half a 
mile froAr :i:r sir aa. r.Ad caUed ' Sa ParricAS Purgatory.' ^Ir is 
only r:l rrrr i Arr Aii 42 broad, Tirr aa is s eventeen yards 
loA^ A 1 A A is AAe. and so 1: :Aa: a rail man could not 
staA r A Tire floor is the natural rock, and scarcely 
any light ca: r r r ir r This is one of the places for 
devotion. Th z:t art r' a rhrr riA a good hcAse f?r the clerg}-. 
and a fen- caiiin^ nr'A i:rrA rrraAA ThrSr a rrriy occupy 
the whole extenr of rhr snrface of the ihrar, The ' Aarions ' 
commence on the ia: rf J .Are. aaa eAr Ar hrr rfrA a -^ngnA, 
during which time ArAiAiAh^ cf "^ii^rlArs ^sf :c:a -rArs arc 




i 



APPENDICES. 



seen flocking to it from all quarters to do penance. From ten 
to twelve thousand annually resort to it, each person paying 
sixpence for being ferried into the island, which is done by a 
man who keeps boats for the purpose, and to whom the ferry is 
let at £260 per annum. When pilgrims arrive in the vicinity 
of the holy lake, they take off their hats and shoes, and go 
bareheaded and barefooted, always carrying beads, a staff, or a 
cross in their hands. The time generally taken to perform ' a 
station ' is three days, unless in cases of extraordinary turpitude, 
when it requires six, or nine. They commence by asking the 
prior's blessing at St, Patrick's altar, say one Paternoster, one 
Ave Maria — Hail Mary, and one Creed Rising up, they kiss 
the stone of the altar, and from thence go into the chapel, when 
they say three Paternosters — 'Our Father,' or the Lord's Pra.yer, 
ten Ave Marias, and seven Creeds. They then go round one 
of the chapels seven times, saying ten Ave Marias again, and 
seven Paternosters every round. Thrice they surround and 
kiss a large stone cross, fixed in the centre of a bed, saying the 
same number of prayers as before. This course must be 
repeated every day. The last twenty-four hours of the ^station' 
must be spent in one of the chapels, called 'the prison,' during 
which time no food is allowed the pilgrims but oaten bread a.nd 
'wine;' but the wine is only the water of the lake made lukewarm, 
and is said to have the property of real wine. Sleep is 
denied them, and if any drowsiness appears, they get a friendly 
twitch of a rod from persons appointed for that purpose. In 
this last place (the prison) they say a decade, that is, ten 
Paternosters, ten Aves, and ten Creeds. A dip in the water 
was formerly necessary to complete the purgation, but is 
dispensed with latterly, because of its injurious effect. There 
is a burying ground on an island close by, called ' The Saints' 
Island,' for those who die when on station, which, through 
privation and fatigue, frequently happens. 

It was to this place poor Bartley Campbell resorted to 



3o8 



APPENDICES, 



expiate his guilt. He had to come forty Irish miles. The 
following accomit of the circumstances attending his conversion 
is taken from Dr. Stevens' work on ^Slethodisrn, who, it appears, 
transcribed it from Reilly's Ousdcy : * He went through the 
required ceremonies, and received absolution from the offici- 
ating priest, but his conscience was more disquieted than ever. 
Before he left he once more applied to the priest 

* Did I not give you absolution?" said he, 

' You did, father," said Bartley. 

' "And do you deny the authority of the Church?" said the 
priest* 

• By no means," said poor Bartley, "but my soul is in misery ; 
what shall I do ?" 

' ''Do," said the priest, "why. go to bed and sleep." 

^ " Sleep," exclaimed the be\nldered pilgrim, " no, father : 
perhaps if I did, I might awake in hell." 

' The priest threatened with the usual pastoral punishment 
The avrakened penitent hastened to a retired spot, threw 
himself on the ground, and with tears and groans prayed to 
God for light ; and, like poor Co^^-per, soon found peace^ so 
well described : — 

' I vras a srric'ken deer, that left the herd 
Long since : w-irh many an arrow, deep infixed, 
My pandng side ^va- charged. Avhen I ^vithdrew 
To seeic a iranqnil acaiii :n dis'iant shades. 
There ^vas I found by One who had himself 
Been hurt by tlie arcliers. In his side he bore — 
And in his liands and fee: — d:e cruel scars. 
AVith gentle force soliciting die darts. 
He drew them forth, and healed, and bade me live." 

At once he began to exhort the pilgrims, that they too should 
obtain the same peace of mind. The priest was alarmed and 
drove him from the place. Bartley returned home "rejoicing 
in the God of his salvation/' and was ever aftenvards kno^\Ti 
as " the Lough Derg pilgrim and preacher." He became a 



* See Appendix D, page 318. 



APPENDICES. 



witness for what he called ''the cure" of the soul, which he ceased 
not . to proclaim to priest and people wherever he went. He 
became remarkably useful, and Vv^as a great favourite wdth Dr. 
Coke. He heralded him from place to place, as an official 
would a judge of assize, and, with amazing influence, obtained 
crowds to hear the Doctor.' Henry Moore, in his Autobiography, 
states that he admired Bartley's simple but devout character ; 
that he had a strong understanding, and great ardency of 
spirit; that he perfectly understood the Irish language, and 
became a means of great good to the Roman Catholics, from 
whom he separated. ' He walked,' says jMoore, ' a hundred 
miles to see me when I was stationed in Dublin. He gave me 
an account of the w^ork of God in those parts near the place 
where he lived. I admired " the grace of God in him," and 
rejoiced for all the good that he had received from the Lord, 
and for what He had enabled him to do, considering his un- 
cultivated mind ; and I was amused Vvith some of his strong 
expressions. At any meeting where no conversions took place 
he called it a " sham fight" ' 

The foregoing account of Bartley Campbell reminds us of an 
almost similar case, but not so successful, as far as Lough Derg 
was concerned. It is related by Doctor Adam Clarke,* in the 
December number of the English Methodist Magazine for the 
year 1823 : — 

* The writer cannot allow Doctor Clarke's name to pass %A'ithout advert- 
ing to his experience, as expressed in the follovv-ing lines a short time 
before his death, in 1832 : — 

* I have enjoyed the spring of life, 
I have endured the toils of summer, 
I have culled the fmits of autumn, 
I am passing through the rigours of winter, 
And I am neither forsaken of God, nor abandoned of man. 
I see at no great distance the dawn of a new day, 
The first of a spring that shall be eternal ; 
It is advancing to meet me ; I haste to embrace it ; 
Welcome, welcome, eternal spring. Hallelujah I' 



APPEXr-ICES. 



' Bryan M'Maken was a poor ignorant Roman Catholic, who 
acted as hei*d for a number of families near Newtown Stewart, 
in the comit}^ of T^Tone, in the north of Ireland. The Me:ho- 
dist preachers visited die place to which he belonged- and 
Br}^an. under the preaching of ]Mr. Joseph Armstrong, was so 
deeply comnnced of his sinful state, that when he returned to 
his cabin, after the sermon, he was unable to conceal his dis- 
ti ess from Madge, his wile. On her inquiring into the cause of 
his grief, he said, ^^I think God Aknight}' is looking at me every 
minute, and is angry T^-ith me." After several fruitless efforts 
to pacify him, she said, " You should go to the priest" He did 
so, and told his reverence all about his state. 

^ " Oh," said the priest " you have been to the Methodists ; 
notliing better could come of you." 

' Oh," said poor Br}-an. '^it is tliey that have done it on 
me :at shall I do, for I cannot live in this way?" 

• T ic ^ : ^ : egardmg his disease as lowness of spirits, recom- 
mended him to ^ cheer himself up, to go to the dance at John 

's to-night, to drink a heart}' glass, and to get ]Madge to 

sing him a song^ :^::d all would be well." 

' Biyan c: :: .:t the advice to the letter ; but he was not 
long at tlie dance, when he started up and said to the wife, 
"Come awr ;v I :r_: worse and worse." He drank the g'.iss, 
hovrever, am the song; but all to no purpose. In the 

after a night of woefol distiess. Madge encouraged 
iiiin to go to the priest again. He did so, and said " he was 
no better, bat worse : t- o^ G o was still looking at h im , and 
angrier and o oo o T r st then advised him to go to 
Lough Dero r ; r o a long class of penances. Bryan 

accomplisheo zoos ^: ooiiii. task, but he was not so successful as 
Bartley. After he returned home, he went and told the priest 
that he was no better. The : icst sent him to a warm comer, 
and said, " Mind that you must never go hear the Methodists 
again." Oh." said poor Br5^an, there is no fear of that: 



APPENDICES. 



they have done enough on me already." However, some time 
after, his emplo^Tiient brought him close to the preaching-house 
door, during the time of service. He ventured to listen to the 
singing, and, like 3.1r. E^eilly's Pat thought it venr ••purt}\" He 
heard the prayer, thought it no harm, and at last ventured in. 
The preacher, knowing nothing of the case of Bryan, was led 
to describe the state of a^\akened sinners, and the advices often 
given to such to relieve them from their distress. Bryan ex- 
claimed. That's just what he said to me I" and there and then 
detailed all the interviews between himself and the priest. The 
preacher said he never would be happy until he obtained pardon 
from God, through faith in the death of Christ, at the same time 
sapng, ^' Kneel do^m, and we will all pray for you." They did 
so most earnestly, and Bryan, vdio was in deep distress, vvas 
pointed to bleeding Calvary, yeiy soon he started to his feet, 
exclaiming, I have got it, I have got it ; I know God is not 
angr}' v-ith me now." ''Oh, sir," said he to the preacher, 
•'will you come and speak to Madge?" ''Ivriil," said the 
preacher. Bryan returned in rapture, exclaiming to his asto- 
nished, but now overjoyed ^^dfe, " Oh, ]\Iadge, I am converted; 
I am converted. God is not angr}- ^^ithme now." ''Oh," said 
j\Iadge, '• I am as bad as you, and I want to be converted 
too." The preacher visited her, and explained the way of sal- 
vation by Christ. She, also, soon obtained the comforts of 
religion. Nothing would do Br}-an but go on the Sabbath to the 
Roman Catholic chapel, and tell the whole tale to the priest 
and congregation. Of course he was ridiculed, and threatened 
with excommunication ; but Br}-an cried cut, ''You may save 
yourself the trouble, you could do nothing for me, and I 'II 
never come near you again." They suffered much persecution, 
but they held fast ; they are long since lodged in the Paradise 
of God. Their son became a local preacher, and some of their 
descendants are still near Newtownstewart. 



APPENDIX C. 



TALENTS. 

* And unto one he gave five talents, to another tv^o, and to another one ; 
to every man according to his several ability.' — Matt. xxv. 5. 

' God, who gave us each a talent, 

To employ it gave command ; 
If we hide it in a napkin, 

He will claim it at our hand. 
Let us, then, be up and doing. 

Keeping still this truth in view : 
Though our path be e'er so humble, 

\Ye have all a work to do. 

With the heralds of the Gospel, 

If we cannot bear a part, 
We can drop a word of kindness, 

That may reach some careless heart ; 
We may touch a chord of feeling. 

Guilt and sin have lulled to sleep ; 
To the blessed fold of Jesus 

W'e may bring some wand' ring sheep. 

If among the older people 

We may not be apt to teach, 

Feed my lambs," said Christ, our Shepherd, 

Place the food within their reach ; 
And it may be, that the children 

You have led with trembling hand. 
Will be found among your jewels. 

When you reach the better land. 

These are precious, golden moments, 

Kindly lent us to improve : 
Are w^e faithful to our calling — 

Earnest in our work of love ? 
Ever at our post of duty, 

Wheresoe'er our call may be, 
Let our lamps be trimmed and burning, 

And the world their glory see. ' 



APPENDIX C. 




AMERICAN CAMP-MEETINGS. 

HE following letter is in character with the one to 
which Mr. Ouseley refers. It was written by Mrs. 
Anne Cook, of Philadelphia, to her mother, near 
Sligo. She was the fmit of Mr. Graham's early ministry, and 
aunt to our venerated friend, Mr. Jackson Hawksby, of Bally- 
mote, County Sligo, who has lived to see nearly three genera- 
tions pass away. 

* Philadelphia, Sept. 13, 1806. 
^ Dear Mother, — This comes with my love, and to give 
you an account how the v/ork of the Lord prospers here. 
About eighty miles from this city, we had one of the greatest 
camp-meetings that was ever knovvn on this continent. We 
remained eight days at it. The ground, containing twenty 
acres, was enclosed with a boarded fence. There were four 
hundred and seventy tents, besides waggons, carts, and twelve 
dozen of official guards, and seven persons to blow trumpets 
to sound round the camp every morning and evening, when 
reports were made of the numbers brought to God. You 
would think the praises of God would rend the heavens. 
There were about eight thousand of white people, and four 
of blacks. The preachers Avere in the middle, of whom there 
were about thirty-five, besides class-leaders, &c. There was a 
boarded enclosure round the stand. This was called " The 
Mourner's Aisle." After public worship, all those who felt 



314 



APPENDICES. 



distress were invited to come forward. The crowds who did 
so were astonishing. Scarcely any who knelt down but were 
blessed, in a.nswer to the fervent prayers of the people of God. 
On one occasion the overwhelming power of God came down, 
and set hundreds of souls at liberty. The proud^ the grand^ 
who came in their coaches, were convinced of sin, and con- 
verted to God before their return ! Glory be to God for ever, 
that I was born to see this day ! What I have seen and what 
I felt, pen cannot describe, or tongue explain. The number 
of souls computed to have been blessed with pardon, or purity, 
at this meeting amounts, in all, to 2,240 ! Halleluja^h ! 
Please show this letter to Mr. Charles Graham, as he was 
the first instrument in bringing mxC to God in my young days, 
at about the age of seven. I would count it a favour if he 
Vv^ould write to me. 

^ I am, dear mother, your aftectionate daughter, 

'Anne Cook.' 

The follow^ing extract, in reference to camp-meetings, is of 
a more recent date. It is taken from a work by the Rev. James 
Shaw, formerly a member of the Irish Conference, and now 
belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church of America. 
We had the pleasure of seeing and hearing Mr. Shaw in this 
country last season, when he wrote his work called Twelve Yea7^s 
in America^ the perusal of which will, no doubt, do good to 
head and heart. The Irish P7dmitive Wesley an Magazine speaks 
of Mr. Shaw's book thus : — ' This is a charming book. The 
writer enters minutely, and at the same time with remarkable 
brevity, into the history of several states, cities, and towns in 
the States of America ; beautifully delineating their origin, 
increase of population, wealth, literature, and Church organi- 
zation ; also, the soil, produce, railway commmnication, natural 
history, mines, minerals, lakes, rivers, and works of art, are 
described so full}-, so graphically, and in a style so chaste, as 



APPENDICES. 



to charm and instruct the reader. We have felt unmixed 
pleasure in reading Mr. Shaw's admirable book. We strongly 
recommend it to our readers, and hope it may have an exten- 
sive circulation. It is written in an excellent Christian spirit, 
and is full of interest throughout' Mr. Shaw, in this work, says, 
— ' It was on a Wednesday evening, in September i860, that the 
carriages and waggons bore several families, with their tents, 
to the scene of the encampment, in a beautiful grove on the 
banks of the Sanagamon river, near Illiopolis. Soon the stroke 
of the woodman's axe was heard felling down trees, and putting 
up tents, seats, and the preachers' stand. The ground was 
cleared, the tents were fixed, with the seats and stand in the 
centre, and aisles were formed for the congregation to pass to 
and fro. Lamps were hung to the trees, stoves were adjusted, 
and fires kindled for cocking. About four thousand people 
assembled to hear the V/ ord of life. Soon the voice of prayer 
and the song of praise were heard in this '^forest sanctuary." 
Brothers Lapham and Hcnnold assisted in preaching and 
conducting the meeting. By Friday and Saturday several 
other families, with their carriages, had come and pitched 
their tents for the remainder of the meeting, which lasted about 
eight days. The power of God fell on the congregations. 
The judgment day was the them^e of discourse. When the 
invitation was given to come to Christ, the wounded, stricken, 
and penitent rushed from all parts of the congregation to the 
altar of prayer. The slain of the Lord were many ; and there 
were mingled with the voice of song and worship, the cry of 
distress and the sob of the penitent. Rejoicing parents knelt 
beside their weeping children ; wrestling Jacobs and praying 
mothers pleaded with God on behalf of tlieir families, and 
soon one after another emerged out of darkness into marvel- 
lous light, and from bondage into liberty.' 

Our dear friend and deeply lamented brother, Wallace, was 
most anxious to witness one of those camp-meetings in America. 



3i6 



APPEXDICES. 



In this he was gratifiedj and took part in the senices of one 
shortly after his arrival, but soon joined the innumerable host 
who have crossed the flood. The following verse suits the 
views alluded to in the extract from his semion, and which he 
has since gloriously realized — 

' The han-est home is near, 

The year delays not long, 
And those who sow in many a tear 

Shall reap with many a song.' 

His last words — worthy of his life — were, ' I leave all ^with Jesus." 



APPENDIX D. 



LINES ON THE BIBLE, 

As a source of comfort to the Christian at all times, especially in every hour 
of tribulation, while passing through this vale of tears. 

* How sweet to the Christian the Bible is found, 
Its doctrines and precepts so richly abound; 
How sweet are the promises written therein, 
To the heart that is weary and laden with sin ; 
How sweet to the soul that in Jesus believes ; 
How sweet to the heart that salvation receives ; 
How sweet to the mind, when the first davm of light 
Breaks in and begins to dispel the long night ; 
How sweet to the soul that is panting for God ; 
How sweet to the guilty His pardoning Word ; 
How sweet to the .-:oul, when contending with foes, 
By the Word it prevails and sings as it goes. 
In the day when the billows of trouble arise, 
How sweet is the hope which the Bible supplies. 
It comforts the mourner ; it hushes his fears ; 
It strengthens his heart, and dries up his tears. 
How sweet to the pilgrim when tempted and tried ; 
'Tis his "rod and his staff," his counsel and guide : 
Confiding in Jesus alone as his friend. 
He safely holds on, and holds ou^ to the end. 
How sweet to the soul is the Word day by day ; 
How sweet when earth's treasures have all fled away ; 
How sweet to the sick, the afflicted, the poor; 
How sweet to the dying, till dying is o'er.' 



APPENDIX D. 



JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE. 

HEN referring to the conversion of Bartley Campbell 
at Lough Derg, we mentioned that the priest who 
conversed with him, soon after said — ^ Do you deny 
the authority of the Church?' This was denying poor Bartley 
the right of private judgment^ and establishing the infallibility of 
tlie Church, a doctrine taught and believed as necessary to 
saJvation. But where its seat is, or in vrhat part of ' the Church' 
it is to be found, its advocates are not yet fully agreed. Some 
affirm that it is in the Pope, as the head of the Church. Others 
deny this, and say his absolute infallibility has not yet been 
received, but it is expected that the General Council to be held 
next year will fully establish it as a new dogma. Others say- 
that infallibility is only to be had when cardinals and bishops, 
with the Pope at their head, sit in council. Others say all 
the clergy have it. Others, that it is in the whole body of the 
members of the Church, including clergy and laity. That this 
claim to infallibility has no foundation in Scripture is sufficiently 
clear to all who read the Bible attentively. Even supposing for a 
moment that St. Peter vv^as the head of the Church — who is now 
said to be represented by the Pope — yet we find he en^ed most 
painfully, no less than on three different occasions : once before 
his fall, at his fall, and once afterwards. First he denied our 
Lord's sacrificial character ; secondly he denied with awful oaths 
that he knew Him at all: and after his full restoration, and 
after he had used the keys of authority and privilege on the 




APPENDICES. 



day of Pentecost, in opening the door of the Gospel kingdom 
to the JewSj as recorded in the Acts ii., and to the Gentiles, as 
in the case of Cornelius, Acts x. — yet after all this, it is stated in 
Gal. ii. II, 'I Vvdthstood him' (Peter), says St. Paul, ^ to the 
face, because he was to be blamed.' In fact ^the keys' 
meant nothing more than the declarative povver of proclaiming 
the simple terms of salvation, such as ' Repentance tovs^ards 
God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ' All the apostles 
had equally this power and privilege, which merely meant that 
all to whom they preached, and who complied with those con- 
ditions of ' repentance and faith,' entered into Gospel liberty, 
and obtained salvation, as three thousand Jews did on the day 
of Pentecost The apostles were infallible when under the 
plenary influence of the Holy Ghost, as v/hen they were writing 
the sacred Scriptures ! But at other times they themselves said, 
' Though vv^e or an angel from heaven preach any other Gospel 
unto you tham that which we preached, let him be accursed;' 
and it was only on condition of their ' teaching to observe all 
things whatsoever He commanded,^ that either they or the Church 
in after ages could claim. His continued presence. It was only 
then that ^ Lo, I am with you alway' could be realized; so 
that any Church teaching otherwise than He 'com.manded' 
forfeited His presence of approval and of power. 

We consider that many of the doctrines believed by the 
Chi^rch of Rome were never 'commanded' by our Lord, or 
taught by His apostles, especially the doctrine of ' human 
merit,' or salvation by works. On this subject the Council of 
Trent declared — ' That whosoever shall affirm that the ungodly 
is justified by faith oiily^ let him be accursed.' And again — 
'That v/hosoever shall affirm that faith is only a trust in the 
Di\ine mercy remitting sin for Christ's sake, let him be 
accursed.' This speaks for itself We shall presently see how 
far His presence could be continued with such teaching as 
this. 



320 APPENDICES. 

The ori^-'n of at least some of them may be accomited 
for thus : — 'Vhrn our Lor;l commanded His aposties to 
^ go into all the world and preach the Gospel to e^-er\- 



crearire.' they were smTO'onded by two forms of worship, 
namelv. Heathenism, Paganism,^ or Genrilism, on the one side, 
and Judaism, as professed by the Jevrs. on the other hand- 
After tlie death of some of the apostles, the converts from 
these two <vs:ems began to introduce the traditions of the one 
(the nd the idolatr}^ of the other (the Gentile), and to 

intenveave diem with the doctrines of the Gospel Even in 
Saint Paul's tune, what he calls ^die mystery of ini .uit}*' 
began to work, and it is working still in various forms, 
and never more rife than novr. The apostle, if living in our 
day. might change the expression, ' In the latter times so//it' shsM 
depart from the faidi.' and say, ^ ma?iy shall do so.' Witness 
the feamil strides of riraalism in the Church of England and 
ra:: : e German Chu ches — their name is Legion, 

ThanL^ God for the Bible, the infalhble and sufficient rule of faith 
— the palladium of our rights and privileges, and that by which 
Hife and immoitaht}- are brought to light' Tl:e Bible alone is 
tlie religion of Protestants,' said Chilling^vorth, but we would say 
oi genuine P?'ote^ta?ifs. for there are many now, alas ! who only 
bear the name. It is the great breakwater against en'or. and die 
sole ?:;.vo:rc C-^c: ::r:::e '.wi. '~ It should be constantly 

and ^r;.; -IT."."';-;: ci-v.se i " \ .iviv/.ared It is the best book 
which j'/cr v,-:-:::-:: -v^:;- of error. It leads 



^ The terms * Heathen' a r. :' ' P:.^:."' are synonymcus. zoth 
country person cr pe?.;an: : -.: erhar - :". : ni the circumstance ±-.: 
religion were -^z\\f::-'.ls. ::nnne:'. :: ::::e.T and large towns. 71: 
the millions in ihe niral aisiricis even of :he K:n:::: ; 
awiLLlly neglected, after Cliristianitj^ was rec:~a :e \: ::. _ 
themselves were. -:r :he nr:>: air:. :::'.;■ a' anter? a.' :aa: :aei in 

to those aronnd, amcng wliom they were lo shine as haa:s n: :h; :--::la. 




APPENDIX. 



321 



into all tmtli, especially on the doctrine of justification or sal- 
vation by faith alone — the test of a standing or a fallen Church j 
for the Church which does not hold it, in opposition to justifi- 
cation by works, is fallen indeed. The author does not use 
this language with any acrimonious feeling towards those who 
hold this doc[r:::e. ht:t the vr-j" opposite j he suffered before, 
and is wilhit : :: ;h :tt:t: :ty. to promote their 

welfare for time and ^ comity. - His hear: s desire and prayer 
to God for them is. that they may be saved/ by faith which is 
in Christ Jesus ; lot he bears them record that many of them 
^have a zeal for Gob brt not according to knowledge.' 

As various mt:— r^^ :ot :.;::.ched to the word justification 
we may explain that^ in a legal or forensic sense, it sigTxifies to 
declare a person innocent; but, in a Scriptural an:' t^-s::je':osI 
sense, it signifies to declare a penitent sinner_^;:?;v2^;:s.:". , :r: _chrs 
by faith on the atoning blood of Clirist, and by faith alone is 
justified, without the ' : ' :s "ork of the law. Th:: ': : s:h.- 
tive act on the part 0. v^s:. trc Pather. The Holy ^:.^z. ca_s 
immediate and satisfactory evidence of it to the heart of the 
penitent believer. There is a di\dne order in this great doc- 
trin 2, Its origi/i or scource is grace, — ' Justified freely by his 
gra.c^ (Rom. iii. 24). Its meritorious cause is the hlood of 
Chiist, — ^y^/j-Z^^T^ by his blood.' (Rom. v. 9). instrumerial 
cause is faith alone, — ' Therefore we conclude that a man is 
justified by faith, vvitl'iout the deeds of the law.' (Rom. iih 28). 
x\nd lastly, its outzuard ez-idejice^ by which we are said to be 
justified by vv^orks, as St. James states Abraham was. (James 
ii. 24). But this Justification was merely declarative of the 
genuine character of his former justification by faith — when 
' he believed God' in reference to the promise of the ^vlessiah 
• in whom all the nations of the earth' were to be blessed \ and 
God • counted it to him for righteousness,' or justification, or 
pardon. The justification to which St. James now refers is the 
act or work of Abraham oftering up his son Isaac — thus proving 



322 



APPENDIX. 



that the faith by which he was originally justified was not a 
dead faith, but a living and fniitfal one, producing obedience : 
for ^ faith without works is dead.' In a word, his works justified 
or proved his faith to be evangelical and genuine. This justi- 
fication by vrcrks is also spoken of as taking place again on 
the day of jiidri-iint, — ^For eveiy idle vv^ord that men shall 
speak, they shall give account in the day of judgment : for by 
thy words thou shalt be justified^ — declared to be a genuine 
belie^-er, by the evidence of evangelical fruit; 'and by thy 
words thou shalt be condemned.' ' Not by works of righeous- 
ness which we ha^:e done, but according to His 77iercy He hath 
saved us :' ' for by the vrorks of the law shall no man living be 
justified' In fact, the fallacy of supposing that justification or 
pardon could be obtained by good works will plainly appear when 
v^e consider the nature of a good work in itself. It niust have 
three qualifications in order to be pronounced such. First, there 
must be a ti^\\. principle ox source, according to 2 Cor. v. 14, ' The 
\o\z of Christ consf?'ai?iefk us,' &c. Secondly, there must be a 
right mle or standard, as in 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17, 'All Scripture is 
given . . . and is profitable ... for i?istruction in righteous- 
ness/ &c. Thirdly, a right motive or end^ as in i Cor. x. 31, 
' Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, do all tothe^/^ry of God/ 
&c. Nov\' that such a work as this must be the fruit of a 
renewed heart, and not the condition of salvation, is as plain 
as noon-day ; for if not, it would imply that the tree must bear 
fruit before it is jDlantrd at all, or the streams made pure before 
the fountain itself is made suchj vv'hichis absurd. ' Good li^orks 
never grew in nature's garden ; they belong to the Lord's hus- 
bandly, and are His planting.' ^ Thou, Lord, hast also TvTought 
all our works in us.' (Isa. xxvi. 12). The apple does not 
.produce or make the tree, but the tree produces the apple. 

Such fruit as this vrill never gi'ovv 

On Nature's barren soil ; 
All we can boast till Christ we knovr 

Is vanity and toil. 



APPENDIX. 



Thus we have five particulars clearly revealed as confirmatory 
of this great blessingof evangelical justification. First, ^rr/^;^ as 
the soirrcc or root ; secondly, Christ as the groimd ; thirdly faith 
as the medium; fourthly, the Holy Ghost as the revealer ; and 
fifthly, a holy life as the oittzvard evidence^ both here and in the 
day of judgment. We may, in fine, remark, when speaking oi 
justification by faith, that we do not mean faith to be in anywise 
meritorious \ it does not confer^ but appropriates, or conveys^ the 
blessing. God requires its exercise, and yet gives the grace 
which enables us to do so. And this He does in order to sus- 
tain our dependence on Himself, and to secure His own glory ; 
for our salvation, from first to last, as far as merit is concerned, 
is of the Lord, — ^ By grace are ye saved, through faith \ and 
that not of yourselves : it (the salvation) is the gift of God.' It 
is an important consideration properly to blend human agency 
with Divine influence and power. It will greatly assist us to 
keep our own unworthiness always in view, as well as the infinite 
merit of the atonement — available ^ to all them that believe.' 
But ye are washed, but ye are justified, but ye are sanctified, 
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.' 
^ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten 
Son, that whosoever helieveth in Him should not perish, but 
have everlasting life.' (John iii. 16.) 

Perhaps the poet throws some additional light on the subject 
of faith, thus : — 

* 'Tis not for coming saves, yet come thou must, 

'Tis not for looking, nor yet foi' thy trust, 

Nor for believing ; Christ doth make thee whole ; 

Nor yet for hearing, He doth save thy soul, 

It is through faith, not for believing Him 

That thou art justified from guilt and sin ; 

It is the Object upon which we rest 

That brings salvation to the burdened breast. 



N. B. — The author cannot close this volume without expressing his obliga- 
tions for the advantages he derived from the following works in writing it: — 
The vmjiorial of Mr, bv the Rev. W. Reilly: Dr. Stevens' History 

of Methodism in the eighteenth centtuy; Dr. Smith's History of Methodism; 
and the Minutes of Irish Conferejice^ lately published in three vols., all of 
which he would strongly recommend to ever}^ family and friend of ]Methodism. 

It will, perhaps be thought by some that the wTiter has introduced too 
much poetiy into this vrork. He is free to confess that in this respect he 
has indulged strong predilections ; but not, however, to fill the volume or to 
make a book. This will appear from the quantity of small type made use of 
He does, however, indulge a hope that many will regard those pieces in a 
pleasing and edifying aspect : they are distributed as suitably as he possibly 
could do according to the character of each chapter. ' When poetry,' says Dr. 
Adam Clarke, in his note on Ex. xv. I, is consecrated to the service of 
God, and employed to communicate His acts, then it becomes a ver}^ useful 
handmaid to piety, and God honours His own gifts.' Mr. Wesley also writes — 
' Allien Poetry thus keeps its place as the handmaid of Piety, it shall attain 
not a poor, perishable WTeath, but a Cro\ATi that fadeth not away.' Besides, 
we may remark, that it seems to enter largely, as far as sound and song are 
concerned, into the emplojmients, and the language, of the heavenly throng. 
St. Paul heard some of the words when in a rapture, but was not allowed to 
commAmicate them. In Rev. v. 9 it is said, *They sung a new song,' 
perhaps called iiew on account of its superlative excellence. In Rev. xiv. i, 
2, 3, it is said, ' And the hundred and forty and four thousand (no doubt 
a definite used for an indefinite number) sung, as it were, a new song.' And 
in Rev. xv. 3, * And they sing the song of IMoses, the serv^ant of God 
(in allusion to Ex. xv.), and of the Lamb,' — the Son of God. Then, let 
INIr. Phillips, the American hymnist and sacred songster, who so lately 
charmed us in Dublin, p-each, as he calls it, the Gospel in sacred song, 
especially as he ^ does it all for Jesus,' yea — 

' Let eveiy kindred, every tongue, 

On this terrestrial baU, 
Xow shout in imiversal song. 

And cro^m Him Lord of all." 
O that with yonder sacred throng, 

We at His feet may fall. 
Bring forth the royal diadem, 

And croAvTL Him Lord of all." 
So prays the Anchor with all his heart. — Amen and amen. 



DUBLIN STZAM PPaXTING CO:.IPANY. 



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